The parents of a two-year-old girl have issued a vital warning to other families after a simple video recorded at a playground revealed a subtle symptom that led to a devastating diagnosis of brain cancer.
The Tiny Symptom That Changed Everything
This summer, Harper Gibson from Staffordshire began showing minor signs that something was amiss. She was more tired than usual and just wasn't herself. Her parents, George and Laura, made multiple trips to their GP and A&E, but were repeatedly told she was suffering from tonsillitis or an ear infection and given antibiotics that provided no relief.
The crucial turning point came when a family video showed Harper with what appeared to be a lazy eye. Following a friend's suggestion, her parents took her for an eye test at Specsavers in Safford. The optician stopped the examination halfway through, immediately recognising that something was seriously wrong.
That decision changed everything, according to George. The family was referred directly to hospital, where scans revealed a mass on Harper's brain.
A Race Against Time for Treatment
Just two days after the eye test on 14 August, Harper underwent a seven-hour surgery at Birmingham Children's Hospital to remove a 1.5-square-inch tumour from her brain. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the family's worst fears: Harper was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
"No parent is ever prepared for that moment," George recalled. "It's a kind of pain that rips through you in silence. You want to scream, cry, do anything to take it away from them, but you can't."
Harper began chemotherapy treatment immediately after her surgery. Her father described the profound impact of seeing their previously energetic daughter, who loves dancing and her dog BearBear, now hooked up to machines and unable to play.
A Family's Gratitude and a Call to Action
Throughout their ordeal, the Gibson family has found strength in Harper's resilient spirit and the exceptional care provided by the medical teams. They have particularly praised the staff on Ward 18 and Ward 10 at Birmingham Children's Hospital, who have become like family.
George emphasised the importance of trusting parental instinct, stating: "We knew something wasn't right. It's that instinct parents have; you know your child better than anyone."
The family now hopes their story will encourage other parents to pursue concerns about subtle symptoms. Friends have started a fundraising campaign with a goal of £15,000 to support the family through Harper's ongoing treatment.
Currently, Harper is stable and responding to treatment as well as can be hoped. Her family continues to take each day as it comes, inspired by their daughter's remarkable courage in the face of such a challenging diagnosis.
