The joyful laughter of eight-year-old Aubree Garrot as she plays with sensory technology alongside her brother Lukas masks a profound medical journey that began when she was just five. Aubree is believed to be the only child of her age in the UK diagnosed with a specific and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, which triggered an extraordinarily early puberty.
A Diagnosis of Extreme Rarity
Her mother, Clare Garrot, 37, from Winsford in Cheshire, recounts that their family initially attributed Aubree's stomach pains to appendicitis, as her older brother Lukas had experienced similar issues. However, an MRI scan just before Christmas revealed a shocking truth. Doctors discovered a large mass on Aubree's ovary, later identified as a Granulosa Cell Tumour.
"Before her next hospital appointment in January, she began to have periods, breast development, teenage mood swings and oily hair," Clare explains. Medical tests revealed the staggering impact: Aubree's hormone levels, which should have been between 0 and 100 for her age, had skyrocketed to over 3000.
A Tumour Removed and Lasting Consequences
The tumour grew at an alarming rate, expanding from 6cm to 26cm in just three weeks. Aubree underwent a gruelling seven-hour exploratory surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. Surgeons removed a tumour weighing two kilograms—equivalent to 10% of the five-year-old's total body weight—along with an ovary, a Fallopian tube, and sections of other affected tissues.
Genetic testing showed 73% of the tumour contained a mutated TP53 gene, explaining its aggressive nature. While the surgery was curative and Aubree is now cancer-free, she faces a lifetime of monitoring. There remains a chance the tumour could return within the next two decades, meaning she will never 'ring the bell' signifying an end to treatment.
The premature puberty has left her with lasting physical challenges. Her ligaments grew like a teenager's while her bones did not, leading to painful knotting in her legs that hinders play. The removal of her ovary also induced an early menopause, complete with hot flushes and sleep disruption.
Technology as a Family Lifeline
Navigating this trauma affected the whole family, including brother Lukas, who is autistic and has ADHD. Support from The Joshua Tree charity in Northwich was crucial, but managing Lukas's needs during sessions was challenging. This is where the charity Lifelites intervened.
Lifelites, the focus of the Mirror's Christmas charity appeal, provides assistive and sensory technology to children with life-limiting conditions. The charity supplied iPads and virtual reality equipment to The Joshua Tree, which immediately captivated Lukas. "He was immediately engaged," Clare said. "It also allowed him to socialise and he started helping others too."
The technology became a bridge between the siblings, allowing Lukas to support and play with Aubree in new ways, bringing smiles and laughter. For Clare, it offered a rare respite, a chance to connect with other adults without solely being in 'medical mum' mode.
Rob Lightfoot, CEO of Lifelites, said: "Lifelites technology can be a lifeline to families... Knowing that our technology is in place clearly gives comfort and reduces stress for the whole family so that Aubree gets the chance to be a child and have fun."
The Mirror's campaign aims to raise vital funds for Lifelites, which currently reaches 15,000 of the estimated 100,000 UK children with life-limiting conditions. The goal is to extend that lifeline of play, communication, and joy to the 85,000 still waiting.
