A one-year-old girl underwent surgery to remove her eye in Birmingham after a distinctive glare seen on a baby monitor was identified as a warning sign of cancer.
Grace Gravil first spotted the unusual glare while watching her daughter, Athena Ingledew, in her cot when the child was about six months old. Although a health visitor initially reassured her there was no cause for concern, Athena’s eye began to protrude, sparking further attention. A photograph showing cloudiness in the eye prompted Grace and her partner, Charlie Ingledew, to seek medical advice.
Athena was referred to Scunthorpe Hospital, where doctors suggested she might have glaucoma. However, after further tests at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a tumour was discovered. Subsequent examination at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in June confirmed a diagnosis of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer.
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The toddler underwent life-saving surgery to remove the tumour and her affected eye. She is now receiving four rounds of chemotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to her remaining eye.
Grace, who is also mother to eight-year-old Issac and five-year-old Amelia, described the experience as an emotional journey. “It all happened quickly and has been an emotional rollercoaster because you don’t expect it to happen to you,” she said. “One of the first signs was a slight glare in her eye on the baby monitor. I showed a picture to my health visitor because I was concerned, but was told there was nothing to worry about.”
Despite initial reassurances, the noticeable changes in Athena’s eye prompted her parents to book a GP appointment. The doctor detected elevated pressure in her eye and referred them to hospital for further investigation. At Sheffield, detailed scans revealed a large tumour that doctors could already see had spread throughout the eye.
“They explained it could either be cancerous or benign and that further testing was needed,” Grace explained. After referral to specialists in Birmingham, it was confirmed Athena had the most advanced stage of retinoblastoma. While some treatments such as laser therapy or freezing treatments are possible in early stages, the advanced condition meant removal of the eye was the only option. Chemotherapy was also necessary.
Grace highlighted the practical challenges the family has faced since surgery, including complications with the prosthetic eye and the financial strain of numerous medical appointments. “We don’t drive, so every appointment means finding transport, which is difficult and expensive,” she said. A fundraising campaign has been set up by a family friend to support travel costs, future treatments, and a custom-made prosthetic eye.
So far Athena has completed four rounds of chemotherapy, with one more to go before doctors assess whether further treatment is necessary. Tests on the removed eye confirmed the cancer was confined to that eye and that the condition is not inherited. However, some rogue cells were found, indicating a continued risk to her remaining eye.
“She now needs her remaining eye checked every eight weeks,” Grace said. “Athena is taking it all in her stride. She has the occasional down day but is generally very resilient. Even after surgery, she’s been her usual active self.”
Grace emphasised the importance of trusting parental instincts. “If you feel something isn’t right, keep pushing for answers and seek another opinion if necessary,” she advised.
Supporters wishing to contribute to Athena’s care can donate via https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-athena-4wx88.