As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Lawson, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (Rb) over fifty years ago, shares his story with us:
I’m Lawson Symmonds and live in Caerphilly South Wales. I was brought up in the small village of St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, home at the time to the largest RAF base in the county.
The first symptom of Rb my parents noticed back in around 1970 when I was just around 2 years old was a turn in my right eye. I was taken to the local GP who said that the eye would straighten up in due course, after some time the eye was still turned in and I was referred to The University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff (The Heath). After examination and tests, my parents were advised to travel to London St Bartholomew’s for more detailed findings, I was then diagnosed with retinoblastoma. I suppose my parents had never heard of the condition and I know that obviously they were upset and worried about my condition and the threat of it taking my life away. At roughly the same time my sister was born and after thorough tests, she was found thankfully to be clear of Rb.
I was treated by Dr Hungerford and was back and forth for radiotherapy treatment having travelled mostly by train from South Wales every six or so weeks. The treatment eventually eradicated the cancer but unfortunately took the sight in my right eye and caused some bone damage around the eye – I was still around 3 to 4 years old at the time. I took annual visits back to Barts until my 18th birthday. Whilst waiting my turn in the ward I always knew when it was my turn as my folder and notes were about 4 inches thick!
I was bullied at school for looking different to everyone else and found it tough. A few closer friends would look out for me and back my corner. I would grow my hair which was thick and jet black and try and cover my eye to hide it. I left school and chose an engineering course at college as I wanted to become a mechanic. I started an apprenticeship and gradually built confidence and came out of my shell somewhat. I began an eighteen-year career at British Airways after my apprenticeship and went on to become an Aircraft Technician. Only in the last few years have I been much more open about my condition and not really bothered if people stare or think I look a bit different. I have loads of confidence and friends and family, and since joining CHECT, that has helped me enormously with it! I still haven’t met anyone with Rb, or the name Lawson, in fact!
We offer lifetime support to anyone affected by retinoblastoma. If you are an adult who has had Rb, you can also join our Beyond Rb group, and look out for our in-person support events. Contact support@chect.org.uk for more information!