Mum warns every parent to act fast after daughter started seeing spots

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A mother’s experience with her daughter’s brain tumour has highlighted the critical importance of children’s eye tests. Sophie Evans, 35, from Tean near Stoke-on-Trent, first took her daughter Esmai to the opticians in January 2024 after Esmai complained about seeing spots.

Initially, the opticians found no issues, but a year later, following what appeared to be a mini seizure, Sophie returned to the opticians and was immediately advised to go to A&E, where an MRI revealed a brain tumour so large it was distorting Esmai’s brain.

Esmai is now undergoing radiotherapy after a successful operation to remove the tumour, and Sophie hopes her story encourages other parents to prioritize eye health for their children. “I don’t think anybody really thinks to take their children for eye tests,” Sophie told PA Real Life. “I don’t think I would have done unless she said to me she was seeing spots. Regular eye checks should be a very normal thing. It should be as normal as going to the hairdressers or going to see a dentist.”

In January 2024, Esmai began telling her mum about seeing spots, but the initial optician visit showed no problems. Over the year, Sophie noticed Esmai occasionally seeing spots, which seemed harmless at first. However, Sophie recalls a moment when Esmai’s pupils suddenly changed size, and she appeared to zone out, which Sophie describes as looking like a mini seizure.

When Sophie took Esmai back to the opticians in January 2025, swelling was detected at the back of Esmai’s eyes and on her optic nerves, prompting an immediate referral to A&E. An MRI confirmed a significant ependymoma tumour in Esmai’s brain that had grown large enough to shift and curve the central line of her brain. Sophie expressed surprise that Esmai had not experienced other symptoms such as headaches, weight loss, sickness, or learning difficulties, saying, “She should have had something wrong.”

The initial shock for Sophie was overwhelming. “The first thing you think is that your child is going to die. I don’t think there are any words to describe (that feeling),” she said. In February, Esmai underwent a seven-hour surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool to remove the tumour, which went “brilliantly.” She has since started an intensive radiotherapy programme at the Proton Beam Therapy Centre in Manchester, where she is carefully positioned under a special mask while a high-energy proton beam targets any remaining cancer cells.

A recent study by the Society for Neuro-Oncology indicates that the type of ependymoma Esmai has carries about a 35% chance of relapse within ten years. Sophie shared her fears about the uncertainty of cancer’s return, saying, “With cancer, whether you get free of it or not, it never leaves you, because you just don’t know if it’s ever going to come back. If it does, because of the strength and the type, it will be harder to get rid of. We might not be so lucky next time.” Although Esmai is responding well to treatment, Sophie notices that her daughter sometimes becomes anxious and withdrawn without clear reason.

Sophie describes Esmai as a girl who “loves outdoor things” and is “very girly,” with a personality that seems “quite ahead of her time.” Esmai is eager to grow up, “she quite fancies herself as a teenager,” Sophie said. The family has temporarily relocated to hospital accommodation in Manchester, where Esmai will be undergoing treatment on her eighth birthday, May 12, while Sophie’s younger daughter Grace, aged two, enjoys the change of scenery, thinking she is on holiday.

Being away from home has made it difficult for Sophie, who works as a hairdresser and cannot work during this time. A friend and neighbour, Lisa, has raised over £3,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to support Sophie and her family during Esmai’s treatment. Sophie initially felt “embarrassing” about sharing Esmai’s story online but agreed to the fundraiser on the condition it highlighted the importance of children’s eye tests.

Now, Sophie feels grateful for the support, which has allowed her to create some happy memories with Esmai despite the challenges. “I’ve been able to take her out to the Sea Life Centre and bowling, and without it I wouldn’t have been able to do that,” she said. “It means it’s not going to be just bad memories.” The fundraiser remains active to help the family through this difficult period.