A brave teenager is fighting cancer for the second time.
Callum Foy, 15, was born with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis. This is where tumours attach themselves to nerves in the body.
Most of the time these tumours are benign, however can turn malignant. When Callum was 10-years-old he had a large tumour which was growing rapidly in his neck, this was removed and doctors told the family the heartbreaking news it was cancerous.
READ MORE: 'Nobody can touch us' shout teenage gang 'terrorising' city
Callum, from Warrington, had chemotherapy and proton beam therapy to treat the tumour and rang the bell for the end of treatment on his 11th birthday. The now teenager was also diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 which doctors said was a low grade glioma.
Due its location in the centre of the teenager's brain, the tumour cannot be removed. In 2016, Callum had an operation to relieve pressure in the brain and had no issues until recently.
For the next five years Callum's tumours were stable, however this changed in November last year.
Speaking to the ECHO, mum Sophie Roberts, 42, said: "We got a phone call to say his brain tumour had changed and it was now glowing on his scan and like it has fractured and there were now dark bits coming off it which were now a concern.
"When we got to the hospital to discuss chemo we were also told there was a tumour found in the side of the neck and one in the back of his neck, which doctors were going to take priority over his head tumour.
"On January 13, he had the one on the side of his neck removed, which came back as malignant again."
Callum has now been left with swallowing issues and a change in his voice due to the extent of surgery he has had and the family are awaiting results for the tumour on the back of his neck.
Sophie added: "At the moment he is talking very quietly, with a very husky voice. Callum was on a feeding tube which has been removed because he was being sick so much, it brought the tube back up and they couldn't get it back in again.
"But as it is, he has managed to eat some soft foods and they are going to leave it for now."
Sophie said doctors believe they have removed most of the tumour, but cannot guarantee they have and that another tumour will not grow in its place. Medics have also said secondary line chemotherapy or radiotherapy are not an option.
On top of all this, due to Callum's brain tumour appearing to have fractured this is also running the risk of causing pressure on his brain once again. Callum will now have to have 85 weeks of chemotherapy to try and shrink the tumour.
Despite all he has been through, football and rugby mad Callum tries to keep a positive mindset.
Sophie said: "He's more concerned about missing the football. He's doing really good and takes it all on the chin and carries on. Last time he was only 10, so this time he is a bit older and he is more aware around him of what is going on.
"He comes into the meetings where they tell us what is going on and he is aware of everything that is happening. I think he is aware this time that it is a bit more serious then the first time round because we're obviously a bit more restricted on what options they can give him."
She added: "Vincristine and carboplatin are the chemotherapy being used for Callum's brain tumour. It will be weekly for 85 weeks. No further treatment can be offered for the cancer in his neck due to having chemo and proton beam therapy in 2018.
"[Doctors] are hoping that the chemo they use on his head will have some effect on his neck, but cannot guarantee that the cancer will not return again. If it does we will have to look into clinical trials or treatment further afield."
Loved ones are now rallying to help Callum and his family in his fight against cancer. Family friend Chloe Crosby has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to turn the family's outhouse into a wet room and bedroom so the teenager can be comfortable in his own space and have easy access while on long-term chemotherapy.
Writing on the page, Chloe said: "Any money raised will go towards supporting Callum and his family through this tragic time. Loss of earnings due to Callum being in hospital and the cost of fuel driving back and forth from hospital every week.
"Callum will be missing a lot of school so Sophie and Gaz would like to put some of the funds towards a private tutor for Callum. The cost of living is hard enough on families at the moment, let alone a family going through such a horrific time.
"I hope you can all join myself in supporting Callum Sophie, Gaz and family on fighting this horrible disease once again."
To donate to the GoFundMe page, please click here.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Teacher's head stamped on as he lay unconscious outside takeaway
EncroChat drug boss ran rural lab while director of chemical company
Gino D'Acampo's Liverpool restaurant slapped with one star hygiene rating
Iceland fans praise 'tastiest ever' Slimming World meal
Share a Random Act of Kindness and celebrate Merseyside's warm heart
