A Hertfordshire boy has been hailed for his courage after overcoming a brain tumour the size of a satsuma.

Ben, dubbed Benny the Brave, from Welwyn Garden City, was only two when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma.

Now, aged 9, all his routine scans have come back clear after years of surgery, a stem cell transplant and chemotherapy.

Watford Observer: Ben, aged two, following his diagnosis. Ben, aged two, following his diagnosis. (Image: Susanna Price)

His 2016 diagnosis left his mum’s best friend Shauna Miller “devastated” and she will be taking part in this year’s London Marathon on April 23 in aid of Brain Tumour Research despite “hating” running.

To support Shauna’s fundraising, visit https://bit.ly/405sxGi.

Ben had brain surgery August 2016 to remove the tumour, but the operation caused damage to some of his facial nerves.

Mum-of-two Shauna said: “Ben is an inspiration; he is such a little fighter. I remember seeing him in the hospital with all the tubes in, but he was still lively and himself.

“He’s in school now and doing really well, although he needs extra support as he struggles with his fine motor skills like writing.”

Watford Observer: Left: Ben in intensive care the day after major brain surgery at aged two. Right: Ben aged nine.Left: Ben in intensive care the day after major brain surgery at aged two. Right: Ben aged nine. (Image: Susanna Price)

Ben endured seven months of high intensity chemotherapy, as he was too young for radiotherapy, plus an autologous stem cell transplant.

The family spent most of their time in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, with brief days at home in between cycles.

It was particularly tough on Ben’s big sister Charlotte who was only five at the time. 

Ben then needed another operation on his eyes as the tumour removal surgery made his eyes turn in.

He also lost his high frequency hearing and now needs hearing aids.

Watford Observer: Left: Shauna with her two children. Right: Shauna on a training run Left: Shauna with her two children. Right: Shauna on a training run (Image: Shauna Miller)

Shauna said Ben’s mum Susanna Price went into full organisational mode when he was diagnosed.

“Susanna was the glue holding the family together, always practical. They are all so amazing and strong,” she said.  

Shauna, who also ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2021 for Brain Tumour Research, said she wanted to set herself something extra challenging in 2023, as it’s the year she turns 50.

She said: “I always thought about doing a marathon but running is really not my thing.

“My friends even bought me a t-shirt last year that says ‘I hate running’, but I keep doing it for Brain Tumour Research because it’s such an important cause.”