A ROSYTH boy who lost an eye after being treated for a rare type of cancer has become an ambassador for a special Cancer Research UK award.
Brave nine-year-old Noah Duncan’s family is calling on the public to show their support for children with the disease by nominating them for a Little Star award or by donating to fund its life-saving work.
Noah was himself given a such an award three years ago, just after he was diagnosed with the rare orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.
The cancer was diagnosed after the youngster complained that he was seeing double and his eye became swollen.
At Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, tests revealed Noah had a tumour the size of a marble behind his left eye and would need immediate treatment to stop its spread.
The treatment was successful for a time but, unfortunately, earlier last year the family were told his cancer had returned and he needed a life-saving operation to remove his left eye.
Noah’s mum Brenda said: “Every child diagnosed with cancer deserves recognition for the obstacles they will encounter along the way, for their smiles and for the bravery they will have to show throughout.
“These children are Little Stars in every respect and I think each and every one of them are a true source of inspiration.
“The Little Star award is a great way to celebrate and showcase resilience in the face of adversity and, as the mum of a Little Star recipient, I know that Noah got a huge boost of confidence after receiving the award.”
The awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters who encounter cancer and raise vital funds for research into the disease.
Since receiving the operation to remove his eye, Noah has gone from strength to strength.
Last June, he took centre stage at Kirkcaldy’s Cancer Research UK Race for Life event to inspire the thousands of women who turned out. He then pressed the klaxon that set them all on their way before handing out medals at the finish line.
Noah also took to the airwaves several times, taking part in various radio programmes and was a guest at a Hibs game.
He also received a Kingdom FM Child of Achievement award after being nominated by Cancer Research UK.
While it is taking him time to get used to living with his new face, mum Brenda says Noah enjoys having an eye patch.
“Noah is slowly accepting his new face and is comfortable with his eye patch. He’s a pirate!” she added.
“Eventually, he will need surgery for an eye prosthesis and we hope to involve Noah as much as possible in the making of his new eye.
“Looking back at 2012, I don’t immediately see the cancer experience. The first thing that comes to mind is all the amazing experiences we’ve had as a family and the incredible resilience Noah has shown on every level.”
Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Scotland, Linda Summerhayes, paid tribute to Noah’s courage and his family’s support.
“It is three years since Cancer Research UK awarded Noah with his Little Star and since then he has continued to embody the values of this award.
“Noah’s enthusiasm at the Race for Life event in Kirkcaldy was infectious and his presence really helped to inspire the ladies embarking on their 5km challenge.
“I am sure his involvement as an ambassador for Little Stars will also help us to acknowledge the bravery of many more children across Scotland and encourage family and friends to get nominating now.”
To nominate a Little Star, visit cruk.org/littlestar.
leclark@thecourier.co.uk