Bravery award for Hull four-year-old who had eye cancer

The four-year-old, who started primary school in September, has made regular hospital visits for check-ups and treatments including cryotherapy (cold therapy), laser and chemotherapy injections.

She recently starred as an angel in her school nativity play.

Ms Mead said: “To see her in that nativity was an incredibly special moment and at times, following her diagnosis, one which we could never have dared dream of.

“But she continues to blow us away with her courage and strength. She is such an intelligent girl and soaks everything in.”

She said this year was the “first normal Christmas” the family had at home since her daughter’s diagnosis, “so we’re doing our best to soak up every moment”.

Ms Mead said early diagnosis of the eye cancer was “vital” and wanted other families to recognise the symptoms of retinoblastoma – a white glow or white reflection in the centre of the eye, known as leukocoria.

She said: “Ella’s cancer was literally staring us in the face.

“We have photos of her from six months old that clearly show the glow in her eyes, but we just knew nothing about it.

“It wasn’t until we noticed she was struggling to eat with a spoon, despite being so advanced, that we sought help.”

Ella’s father Ben Sala praised his daughter, saying: “She’s had to learn to adapt, she continues to cope well and is never fazed.”

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