On Friday 4th September 2020, Dottie was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour (Bilateral Glioma of the Thalamus) which was treated with 63 doses of chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Basildon Hospital. Her treatment started in September 2020 and finished in May 2022.

Dottie was only 4 years old when had a really bad headache alerted us to take her to our local A&E where she had an emergency MRI scan and was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She was blue lighted straight away to GOSH. This all happened during the pandemic, so there were restrictions and only Dottie’s parents were allowed access to see Dottie during this traumatic period.

We had to let Louise’s parents take over the care of our 2 other daughters Lily aged 15 and Bella aged 9, who we didn’t get to see for another 3 weeks. When we did get to see them, to ensure safeguarding and being extra careful, we had to stand outside wearing face masks. We couldn’t even give our girls a cuddle due to concerns with Covid and the possibility of passing this onto Dottie.

5 days after Dottie was first diagnosed, due to concerns regarding the build-up of pressure and fluid around the brain, she had a craniotomy. It was also necessary to carry out surgery to obtain some biopsies from the tumour in order to diagnose the type of tumour Dottie had and the necessary treatment.

We were so thankful that Dottie’s brain surgeon was the world-renowned Dr. Jaleeni who carried out this delicate operation. Due to where the tumour was perilously located on the brain, he miraculously and skilfully obtained 10 biopsies each the size of a half a grain of rice.

Once we had all the results back from the laboratory, we were then hit with the fact this was going to be a long journey, requiring 18 months of chemotherapy with frequent trips to GOSH and Basildon Hospitals. Throughout all of this, we had to try and stay positive.

Fast forward a few weeks in the hospital and the star of treatment, the realism of our journey ahead hit us very hard.

Firstly, Dottie commenced her chemotherapy, which happened to coincide with what would have been her first day at primary school with her best friends. Sadly, we were in a hospital about to commence 18 months of chemotherapy. At this time, the feelings and emotions were of despair and heartbreaking sadness.

Our family and extensive friends and networks have been absolutely brilliant. The kindness and generosity of so many of our friends and family and the many people we did not know until this situation developed has been both gratifying and overwhelming.

We recognise that Dottie’s journey is going to be a very long road, which will require ongoing care and support for many years.

Following a meeting with Dottie’s oncologist, we were assured that that medical research was ongoing and technological advances were being made all the time.

With this in mind and in preparation to provide Dottie with as much support as possible, whatever we faced with in the future, we have decided to create a trust fund for Dottie.

Dottie’s Trust was set up to assist with her ongoing care and taking opportunities with any medical advancements. So, it is a priority for us to be ready for when that time comes, as well as continuing to provide a healthy and stable environment for her.

Dottie’s Trust will be managed independently and will endeavour to raise funds for Dottie. But also, for the amazing charities who have and continue to do so much by helping us on our journey so far. Such as Sick Children’s Trust, Give a Duck UK, Beads of Courage, Gold Geese, MCA Trust, One Pound Warriors and Clic Sargent, to name just a few.

Any funds raised which Dottie will not require, will be donated and shared to all the brilliant charities that have helped us on our journey.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends and family for your ongoing care, love and support along this traumatic journey.

Lou, John, Lily, Bella and Dottie xxxxx

Please use the contact form here if you have any questions or enquiries regarding Dottie’s Journey.
We will respond to you promptly. Thank you.