Brave Finley's treatment hope

9:38pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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HE looks like any happy toddler -but this one-year-old is suffering from a life-threatening condition which has spread cancer over his body.

Finley Ellis-Hall from Llanmartin has neuroblastoma , a disease which causes him to have tumours and lesions across his body and has robbed him of his sight.

Now his parents are trying an experimental radiotherapy treatment to try to prolong his life after 80 days worth of chemotherapy failed to clear up the cancer.

If he recieves the radiotherapy, he would be the youngest person to ever undergo the treatment.

They are also hoping to go to China or America for a pioneering op to help him see again -if they can raise £53,000.

But despite his illness mum and dad Karen and Mark, both 31, say he has kept his spirits up.

Dad Mark said: "In the last few weeks he's been fantastic. He's a brave little boy and takes things in his stride."

Finley was diagnosed with the fast growing and aggressive illness in November -which, due to a tumour behind his face, has crushed his optic nerves.

Doctors have been unable to halt the progression of the disease. While with chemotherapy doctors have had some success in slowing it down, some tumours are still active.

It has also diminished his immune system, meaning he can not play with other children for long periods of time.

The family now wants to try experimental radiotherapy in London. If NHS funding can be secured, he will be the youngest person to ever undergo the treatment.

"This is the last course of treatment for him. It has to work," says dad Mark.

If that helps him, the family's next battle is an operation abroad for his sight would cost $100,000 -around £53,000.

It will only take place if the radiotherapy brings the cancer under control.

If you can help the Ellis-Halls raise money call Mark on 07966553282.

A sponsored walk is being held on Sunday to raise money for Finley Ellis-Hall. The walk will start at the Llanmartin shops, Birchgrove at 11am and continue along the eight mile route to Langstone, Llanwern and back. Walkers will also be collecting money on route.