St Helens siblings recognised for courage in rare childhood cancer battle
Hollie and Ted received awards from the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust
A brother and sister from St Helens, Merseyside, have been honoured for their courage and resilience after facing a challenging journey with a rare childhood cancer.
Hollie Robinson-Mellor, now two years old, was diagnosed in September 2024 with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer that affects the retina in young children, most often under the age of six.
At the time of her diagnosis, Hollie had just turned one. Doctors at Birmingham Children’s Hospital found extensive cancer in her right eye, and the eye had to be removed in order to save her life. Hollie now wears an artificial eye while undergoing regular check-ups to ensure her left eye, which also contained tumours but was successfully treated, remains cancer-free.
Throughout this experience, Hollie’s recovery has been supported by her family and especially her five-year-old brother, Ted, who has provided encouragement and care.
To recognise their bravery and efforts despite adversity, Hollie and Ted have been named CHECT Champions by the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT). The awards celebrate children affected by retinoblastoma for showing courage, resilience, and patience during their treatment and beyond.
According to their parents, Colette and Kevin Robinson-Mellor, Hollie’s diagnosis came after Colette noticed a white gleam in her daughter’s pupil during a family celebration.
"It all began on Ted’s fourth birthday," Colette said. "People were taking photos of him blowing out his candles, and I noticed that in the flashes Hollie’s right pupil was gleaming white. At first, I thought it was odd because of the candles and camera flashes, but soon after, I saw her pupil appear glass-like when under certain lights at home.”
This observation led the family to seek medical advice, and within days Hollie was referred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a specialist centre for retinoblastoma, where she underwent further assessments.
Over the past 14 months, Hollie’s treatment has included regular trips to Birmingham, with Ted playing a key role in keeping their spirits high.
“After Hollie’s operation to remove her eye, Ted would lie on her bed with an iPad playing her favourite cartoons,” said Kevin. “When she was still unsteady, he even helped her take her first steps along the hospital corridors."
Reflecting on Ted’s support, Kevin added, “He kept our family going single-handedly, just by being himself. His positivity has been a lifeline during such challenging times, and we’ll make sure he understands his impact when he’s older.”
Hollie and Ted have already received their CHECT Champion medals and framed certificates from the charity, marking their bravery and resilience.
CHECT works to support families affected by retinoblastoma, raise awareness about its signs and symptoms, and fund further research into the rare disease. Executive director Richard Ashton emphasised the importance of early detection.
“While retinoblastoma is a rare cancer, we urge all parents to be aware of the symptoms and to have their child checked out if they have any concerns,” Ashton said. “The most common signs are a white glow in the eye noticeable in certain lighting or flash photography, or a squint.”
The charity praised Hollie and Ted for their remarkable courage, stating, “They truly are champions who deserve recognition for everything they have endured and achieved.”