The mother of a boy with a cancerous brain tumour who disappeared with him earlier this week was told her son could die if he did not have radiotherapy as she fought to stop him receiving the treatment in a London court on Friday.
Sally Roberts’ lawyers told a High Court judge she did not want her son Neon to undergo the treatment because of fears it could cause long-term damage.
The seven-year-old has already had surgery on the tumour and doctors have said it is in his best interests to now have both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
A lawyer representing health authorities treating Neon told the court the “alternative is death”.
Mr Justice Bodey, sitting at the High Court in London, was urged by Roberts’ lawyers to have sympathy for the mother
“Much sympathy it is hoped will be felt for her overall position,” said Robin Tolson QC, outlining her case.
“The mother’s position in this litigation … is principled, reasonable and in the best interests of Neon.”
Devon and Cornwall Police launched a nationwide search after Roberts and her son went missing from their home on Monday. Both were found safe in Sussex on Thursday.
Roberts, a New Zealander who lives in Tiverton, Devon, told the court she was sorry for her disappearance and insisted she was not a “bonkers mother”.
“I very much apologise,” she said. “I only want the best for my son.”
The judge will decide whether it is in Neon’s best interests to undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy — or only chemotherapy — following surgery on the cancerous brain tumour.
Mr Justice Bodey said Neon’s illness was the “stuff of every parent’s nightmare”, adding that he would weigh up the potential benefits of treatment against the “downsides”.
Mother bids to prevent treatment of son with cancer
