Otto was just four years old when a cancerous tumour was found in the back of his brain. His family knew something was wrong when his headaches persisted, and a CT scan at their local hospital confirmed their worst fears.
“After that scan, we noticed that there was something coming up because there were lots of people coming in and out of our room. That’s when it started to sink in for me that something was wrong,” said Otto’s Mum, Amy.
Otto was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital and, just a few days later, he had brain surgery to remove his tumour. After his surgery, Otto started on the first wave of his chemotherapy treatment. Then, at this time of immense stress, the Coronavirus pandemic began. Otto’s dad Tom was terrified about whether it would have an impact on his son’s treatment:
“Lockdown came upon us at the end of March, but the support, feedback and communication from GOSH was brilliant. Straight away they reassured us that it wasn’t going to impact on Otto.”
Since finishing his treatment, all of Otto’s scans have come back clear and the family were able to ring the end of treatment bell in April 2021. Tom says: “I think ringing the bell meant more to us than to Otto. Otto doesn’t seem to dwell on anything. He never resented going to the hospital; the nurses and support staff always made it an environment which he was not afraid to go to.”
Otto is now back at school full time and is doing really well.
Amy says: “GOSH thinks about everything and everyone. It’s not only Otto. They saved my son’s life but they also saved the whole family.”
GOSH changed Otto’s life forever. But GOSH Charity can only do its incredible work - supporting families like Otto’s, with your help. One incredible way to give your support is by entering the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Wimbledon. You’ll get the chance to win a multi-million-pound house along with lots of other dream prizes. And you can help change the lives of children like Otto too.
