A New Malden mother has spoken of the “courage and bravery” of her two children after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer at just 11 days old.

Surrey Comet:

Amelia went through two-and-a-half years of treatment

Abi Wheatcroft, 31, gave birth to Amelia in Kingston Hospital in February 2012, only for her to be diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes – a rare cancerous tumour that leaves many children blind.

The illness affects about one in 20,000 births in the UK.

Amelia went through two-and-half years of extensive chemotherapy at the Royal London Hospital and doctors managed to save her vision – though she has not yet been given the all-clear.

Mrs Wheatcroft, of South Lane, New Malden, also suffered from the hereditary disease as a baby, leaving any children she might have at risk of retinoblastoma.

She said: “I actually had it as a child as well, I got told that I carried the gene, so there was a 15 per cent chance of her getting it.

“You always think about it, but I suppose the joy of having a child and trying to have a child takes over. It’s tough to say.

“When you actually hear it, the reality is quite shocking.

“You lose track of how much time she’s spent in hospital undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy which started when she was just four weeks old, but nothing seems to faze her.

“Amelia never ceases to amaze me with her courage and attitude to life.

“Despite everything Amelia has always been such a happy child – she’s a star.

When Amelia was diagnosed with the disease Mrs Wheatcroft and her husband Paul, 45, faced years of frequent hospital visits, which made life difficult for their son Callum.

Despite this, she said he showed incredible maturity and was always on hand to support his sister.

She added: “Having to leave Callum at home when going to hospital was hard, I think because he was so little.

“I don’t think he really understood – he kind of lost mummy.

“He missed out on so much while his sister and of course his mum were away on hospital visits that often involved overnight stays, and yet he never complained.

“He loves his little sister and always says how brave she is. I am just so proud of both of them – they are both amazing.”

Surrey Comet:

Amelia and elder brother Callum

Both siblings have been named as champions by the charity Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) for their “outstanding efforts in the face of adversity”.

Amelia, four, and Callum, seven, received a medal, a framed certificate and a goody bag from the charity, which dedicates itself to supporting families, funding research and raising awareness of the disease.

Patrick Tonks, chief executive of CHECT, said: “Amelia and Callum have been through so much over the last few years but they’ve shown remarkable levels of courage and resilience.

“Retinoblastoma causes an immense amount of upset and disruption but they have absolutely refused to let things get on top of them. They are thoroughly deserving champions.”