A Christmas Day walk turned out to be a pivotal moment in the life of eight-year-old Jamie Hough, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour shortly after his mother noticed alarming symptoms. Ania Hough, Jamie’s mother, initially believed her son was suffering from a common school illness when he began experiencing frequent headaches and vomiting in October 2023.
Ania’s concerns escalated when Jamie’s headaches persisted and worsened over time. After consulting with a doctor, she was told he was likely experiencing migraines. Despite treating Jamie with over-the-counter medication, his condition did not improve, leading Ania to seek further medical attention.
Critical Diagnosis After Christmas Walk
On Christmas morning, after noticing Jamie was still in pain, Ania suggested a walk to clear his head. During their outing, Jamie began dragging one of his legs, insisting he was not joking, a sign that alarmed Ania. “I told him to stop being silly, but he told me he was,” she recalled. As they returned to their car, Jamie vomited and fell asleep on the way to Maidstone Hospital in Kent.
At the hospital, a CT scan revealed abnormal brain activity, prompting Jamie’s urgent transfer to King’s College Hospital in London. There, he underwent a lengthy 12-hour brain surgery on December 26, 2023. The biopsy results confirmed the presence of a fast-growing brain tumour known as choroid plexus carcinoma, measuring 6cm by 5cm.
Ania described the swift actions of the medical team as a “Christmas miracle,” noting that Jamie’s life depended on the timely intervention. “If Jamie hadn’t gotten there when he did, they wouldn’t have been able to help him,” she stated.
Jamie underwent a second surgery on January 12, 2024, followed by additional procedures to install a shunt to manage fluid in his brain. After completing six rounds of chemotherapy and 30 sessions of proton beam therapy, he received the all-clear in November 2024.
Raising Awareness and Advocacy
Now cancer-free, Jamie and his family are looking forward to celebrating Christmas this year, with Jamie already writing his letter to Santa. Ania is sharing their story to raise awareness about the importance of pushing for medical tests when children exhibit persistent symptoms like headaches.
She emphasized the need for parents to be vigilant. “As a parent, if your child is suffering from headaches, push for a CT or some kind of scan,” Ania advised. She highlighted the potential consequences of delayed diagnosis, stating, “Maybe he would have only had one surgery instead of four.”
Ania also praised the support from the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund, which has been instrumental throughout their journey. In response to the case, a spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust expressed relief that Jamie is now doing well. They noted that while patient safety remains a top priority, decisions on tests are based on a careful assessment of symptoms.
Choroid plexus carcinoma is a high-grade brain tumour primarily affecting young children, with symptoms often including morning headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Early detection is crucial in improving outcomes, making Ania’s message even more vital for other parents facing similar situations.
As Jamie and his family move forward, they reflect on their experience, grateful for the outcome while acknowledging the emotional toll of their journey.
