The family of a six-year-old girl who lost her sight due to a brain tumour is fighting to save a dream trip to Walt Disney World after insurance costs skyrocketed. Sienna, from Aberdare, Wales, was diagnosed with a grade 1 glioma in February after a routine eye exam revealed swelling on her optic nerve. She has since started an 18-month course of chemotherapy, which led to her vision loss.
The trip, originally planned as a four-week holiday to Florida in October, was a Christmas surprise for Sienna, her sister, and six cousins. However, after Sienna's diagnosis, her travel insurance was voided, and a new policy for her alone cost £5,083, up from the original family quote of £232. Her mother, Emma Louise Lloyd, 37, said: 'I just couldn't believe it, she'd been so excited and I just couldn't do it to her.'
The family has set up a fundraiser to cover the additional costs, which has raised over £6,000. Any extra money will be donated to Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff, where Sienna is being treated, and Ronald McDonald House, which provides free accommodation for families of hospitalised children.
Sienna's aunt, Jessica Gill, said GreatCover insurance told the family the cover was void due to the diagnosis. The family found a specialist policy but the cost made the holiday unaffordable. The Mirror has contacted GreatCover for comment.
