Positive news for Bertie the Brave

Three-year-old Bertie Miller-Grossett returned from the United States at the end of February, fresh from six weeks of proton beam therapy – a specialised form of radiotherapy.

The Warkworth youngster needed the treatment after undergoing a six-hour operation to remove a brain tumour in November.

And last week, Bertie received some positive news, after an MRI scan showed that there are no signs of tumour regrowth.

Posting on the specially-created Bertie the Brave Facebook page, his parents Gemma and Claire, wrote: ‘We are pleased to say Bertie’s first post treatment MRI showed no signs of tumour regrowth. It’s been a long couple of weeks with him vomiting and being very tired which we are now reassured is down to the after effects of radiotherapy.

‘He was an absolute star as usual, clocking up his 41st anaesthetic. We are very proud to be his mummies. Thanks for all your kind messages, we’ve been waiting for the MRI to update you all, so sorry for the delay!’

It is an encouraging sign, after what has been an emotional and difficult time for Bertie and his family, including younger brother Sebastian.

The family’s stay in America was longer than expected. Bertie was due to start proton beam therapy in December, but this intensive treatment was put on hold until January after he had several medical complications – starting on the flight over and culminating in him suffering a brain haemorrhage, which left him in intensive care. He also needed an operation to have a permanent shunt fitted.

Friends of the couple set up a JustGiving page to help the family cope during their time in the USA – raising more than £12,500.