Five-year-old from Glasgow with rare brain tumour raising funds for bespoke tricycle

The family of a toddler from Glasgow diagnosed with a rare brain tumour is raising funds for a tricycle and continued medical support.

River Menzies-Staff, five, was like “any other baby” for the first two years of her life, until, at 21 months old, she started vomiting every morning.

Her mother, Katie Staff, 36, and sister, 18-year-old Paige, were told it was a viral illness and were given medical advice over the phone due to the Covid pandemic.

However, in September 2021, River was unable to walk and was rushed to A&E, where she was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumour and given a 30% chance of survival.

During her first brain operation, River suffered a stroke and fell into a two-week coma. Her vocal cords collapsed, and she underwent a tracheostomy, which she still has in place today.

Despite another surgery, some of the tumour remains, and the toddler can no longer walk, talk, or eat, and has reduced hearing and vision.

Her family is fundraising for a bespoke trike to allow River to get out and about more and for additional physiotherapy.

Ms Staff said: “Despite two major brain surgeries, some of the tumour remains as it was too risky to remove completely. River then endured intensive chemotherapy, spending months in the hospital due to severe complications. This was followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.

“Today, River faces many challenges. She can no longer walk, talk, or eat and is tube-fed. She has reduced hearing and vision on her left side, along with osteoporosis from chemotherapy and scoliosis caused by muscle weakness.

“When she was first diagnosed, we were given just a 30% survival rate — but River is a true fighter.

“We are raising funds to support River’s ongoing care, therapy, and medical needs. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in her journey.”

Ms Staff has said that while River’s future is “uncertain” she just wants her daughter to live the best life possible.

She added: “The physiotherapy makes a huge difference to her, she can now take a few steps between furniture which is a huge improvement on what she was able to do before.

“In spite of her issue she is a happy little girl who loves to watch TV, play outside and spend time with other people. Her future is uncertain but like any mother, I just want the best for her and every penny received to help her live her best life possible is hugely appreciated.”

The family is supported by the children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like River for medical treatments and healthcare services that are not freely available to them through the NHS and social care.

Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: “We wish River and her family all the best with their fundraising activities. We are pleased to be supporting them to give them the support in reaching their fundraising goals.”

You can donate to River’s fund here.