The Campbells

At only 22 months, Hugo Campbell was diagnosed with a large tumour in the back of his head. Now three, Hugo is still a patient at our children’s Hospital. Here, his mum Laura talks about their journey and why they support our Charity.

When he was 22 months old, Hugo’s parents took him in to Wythenshawe Hospital after some vomiting, where an MRI scan revealed a large tumour at the back of his head. The family were rushed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and the next morning, Hugo underwent the first of 14 surgeries. A few days later, they found out the tumour was malignant and was a rare type of brain tumour.

Laura, Hugo’s mum said, “Hugo’s illness affects every part of our lives. He has been having treatment since August 2022 and is still in and out of hospital now. The children’s hospital has become our second home. And sometimes it’s even our first home! As I family we’ve celebrated three birthdays in hospital – including Hugo’s – and we also spent Christmas 2022 there.”

Whilst Hugo finished his initial treatment on the tumour after nine months, they unfortunately discovered a new tumour at the front of his brain. On chemotherapy, Hugo’s illness is unpredictable, and he must be admitted to hospital for at least two days if his temperature spikes.

Hugo has had 14 surgeries, 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 sessions of proton beam therapy. And he’s only 3 years old – that’s more than anyone should go through in a lifetime, let alone a little boy.

“Thankfully we’re under the best team in the world at RMCH and he’s now on six different medications, including some that gets put directly into a drip in his head. He’s now on a revolutionary new programme of treatment and fingers crossed, his hospital admissions will be less frequent.”

The Campbell family have supported our Charity throughout Hugo’s treatment, citing the important role we’ve played in his journey. From funding equipment and play services he used, to the technology that aids Hugo’s neurosurgeons in the planning of his procedure.

“Raising funds for us as a family has given us a focus and brought us together with friends to try and give just a little back. Often people feel so helpless that being able to join in fundraising allows them to offer support and we have been overwhelmed by the support we have had with our fundraising.

In May 2023 a group of 15 of our friends and family all came together to run the Manchester 10km and we have together raised £12,355 plus GiftAid. Many of our family and friends have chosen to support the hospital charity rather than buy Christmas cards and gifts because we all believe in the amazing work of the people who have cared for Hugo. We are determined to continue to raise funds through charity events and to support the vital work RMCH does.”