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Neon Roberts making 'good progress' after treatment

Seven-year-old Neon Roberts is making "good progress" following his treatment, his father has said.

Late last year, Neon's mother Sally, failed in a legal bid to stop her son having radiotherapy for a brain tumour.

Sally Roberts, mother of Neon Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

The High Court ruled that Neon should undergo radiotherapy for the cancerous tumour against her wishes.

Neon's father Ben - who is separated from Ms Roberts - said his son had completed the course of radiotherapy as planned.

Watch: 'Neon's care should be my choice'

Hospital wins innovation award for cancer database

Men in tuxedos
System designer Rufus Smith after collecting the award from Rory Bremner (right) Credit: North Devon District Hospital

North Devon District Hospital has won a national award for innovation for its computerised cancer pharmacy system. It allows the hospital to log and follow all aspects of patients' chemotherapy treatment.

The time-saving, custom software then lets the hospital develop daily treatment schedules and worksheets to simply the types and amount of medication that need to be made up. It also manages stock control.

It was developed by Rufus Smith, a pharmacy expert at the hospital. The hospital trust says it has saved £20,000 by developing the software in-house, for free.

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Neon Roberts 'sharp as ever' after cancer surgery

Neon Roberts is "as sharp as ever" after his cancer surgery, which took place despite his mother's objections following a court ruling, reports the Daily Mail.

Neon Roberts has undergone surgery against the wishes of his mother following a judge's ruling. Credit: Handout

The seven-year-old's mother Sally Roberts wanted any operation on her son Neon delayed because she wanted opinions from doctors in Russia, Germany and the US but the Judge who assessed the evidence said the gains of going ahead with surgery outweighed the risks.

The Daily Mail reports that Neon woke up following the seven-hour procedure telling nurses: "I can still talk, you know."

Today Neon's mother will renew her fight at the High Court today over planned radiotherapy for her son. Ms Roberts claims the therapy will cause Neon long-term harm.

But doctors say he might die within months without it.

West Country (E)

Text Santa: Marie Curie nurses care for terminally ill cancer patients and their families at home

Marie Curie Cancer Care is one of six charities to benefit from Text Santa - ITV's Christmas fundraiser. Marie Curie nurses help care for terminally ill patients in their homes, and offer emotional support to families. Catherine Le Roy is one such nurse.

For more information on Marie Curie Cancer Care click here

National

High Court decision on radiotherapy delayed

Mr Justice Bodey ruled today that Neon Roberts can undergo surgery on a "residual tumour" but it is not yet clear whether he can receive radiotherapy.

The ruling in the Family Division of the High Court was due to decide whether Neon should undergo radiotherapy treatment following surgery, against the wishes of his mother.

That issue was put to one side to deal with the more pressing decision regarding his operation.

Cancer row mum says she doesn't trust doctors

A mother who disappeared with her young son to stop him being treated for cancer says she had no choice.

37-year-old Sally Roberts disappeared from her home in Tiverton with seven year old Neon because she was worried that radiotherapy would be damaging.

She says she needs more evidence that treatment is necessary and other options need to be explored. The case was heard at the High Court and a judge will make a decision next week. Sally spoke exclusively to Daybreak this morning. This is the full interview.

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Cancer children feel left out: Full report

Finding out your child has cancer is one of the worst things any parent can face. But dealing with the aftermath can be almost as difficult. A new report shows many survivors of childhood cancer are feeling left out when they go back to school.

Children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent which published the research says schools need to play a bigger role in helping children return to the classroom.

Report calls for more educational support for cancer survivors

More support needed for childhood cancer survivors Credit: ITV Westcountry

A new report shows many survivors of childhood cancer are feeling left out when they go back to school. Children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent which published the research says schools need to play a bigger role in helping children return to the classroom.

According to today's report, almost half of parents who took part in the research said long periods away from school had meant their children had grown apart from their friends and only around a third of schools stayed in regular touch during treatment.

Around 1600 children are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year. Fighting for survival is of course the priority. But CLIC Sargent says simple steps like staying in touch can go a long way to help children fit back into school.

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