A CARLISLE grandmother and fundraiser has urged parents to be aware of the symptoms of brain tumours in children.

Alva Maclean, 65, added that parents should “not give up” if they think that their child’s condition is serious, and not be afraid to ask their doctor if it could be a brain tumour.

In addition to raising awareness, Alva has been raising cash for the Brain Tumour Charity for several years, with her latest idea being a targeted weight loss and sponsored couch to 5k which she undertook last month with colleagues from the Eden Medical Group. “We’re not runners,” she said.

She estimates she and the family have raised more than £15,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity over the past few years.

The charity funds and promotes the UK-wide HeadSmart campaign, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours in children and young people in order to make earlier diagnosis a reality.

Earlier diagnosis can reduce long-term disabilities and save lives. In just three years, HeadSmart has reduced average diagnosis time from 9.1 weeks to 6.5 weeks.

Alva’s grandson, Ethan Tweedie, was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was six.

He originally went to the optician with a squint in his eye, and also developed headaches and loss of coordination and balance.

After nine months, in which tests were taken and appointments made, he was finally given an MRI scan and received his diagnosis.

“He was operated on the following day,” Alva said.

Earlier this year, Ethan turned 18. Twelve years after his diagnosis, although he’s been given the all clear, he’s still dealing with some side effects of the illness, including hearing and sight loss.

Alva said: “It’s quite a difficult thing to diagnose in the first and second stages. There’s lots of different symptoms to look out for.

“But if you think it’s something serious, don’t give up. Ask your doctor if it could be a brain tumour and can you have investigations done.”

The Brain Tumour Charity website lists a number of different symptoms which may indicate the presence of a brain tumour in children.

The charity says that while brain tumours are rare, with about 500 children and young people in the UK being diagnosed per year, it is important to be aware of the symptoms.