A FATHER completed a festive fun run to raise money for the charity helping to treat his daughter’s rare eye cancer.

Charlie Smith and his brother Sam took part in the annual Santa Dash along Hove seafront.

In September, Charlie’s two-year-old daughter Delilah was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer that primarily affects children.

There are only 40 to 50 children diagnosed with the rare eye cancer each year in the UK.

Charlie and Delilah’s mother Holly said that since her diagnosis, the two-year-old has endured five general anaesthetics, five rounds of chemotherapy, MRI scans, a lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspirate, IV antibiotics, weekly blood tests and blood and platelet transfusions.

The Argus: Charlie Smith with his daughter Delilah in hospital Charlie Smith with his daughter Delilah in hospital

Holly said while Delilah’s chemo was initially administered at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, they switched to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton as it was closer to their home in Horsham.

“Being told that your child has cancer is utterly devastating,” she said.

“Our Delilah is such a strong, courageous and determined little girl.

“We don't know how long this journey will be and she has a lot of hurdles to jump before she's better but we know she's absolutely incredible and she will thrive when her ordeal comes to an end.”

On Saturday, Charlie and Sam were among hundreds taking part in the Santa Dash to raise money for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alex.

The Argus: Charlie Smith (right) and his brother Sam Charlie Smith (right) and his brother Sam

The duo smashed their initial target of £100, raising more than £3,700 by running the 5km race.

“We’ve all been absolutely amazed by the generosity of our friends and family. To reach over £3,700 is just mind blowing,” Charlie said.

“Rockinghorse believes that no matter where they are, children should always be allowed to be children.

“The charity has really helped Delilah and us through her gruelling treatment, and we know how much it means to so many other children and their families as they face their tough days.”

Holly praised the work of Rockinghorse and the hospital, and said she hopes the money raised can help others in the future.

“Along with the excellent facilities in the oncology ward, Rockinghorse provides toys and fun, creative activities which make our time at the Royal Alexandra more cheerful and less distressing,” she said. “Delilah feels safe whenever she has to go to hospital.

“Before Delilah’s diagnosis we had never heard of retinoblastoma, but we hope that sharing our story might mean other parents are made aware of the signs.

The Argus: Charlie Smith with his wife Holly and daughter Delilah Charlie Smith with his wife Holly and daughter Delilah

“It’s a fast-growing cancer, so it is essential that – if they show any of the early signs – you take your child to be checked by your GP, as early diagnosis could save their sight or even their life.”

Although it has one of the best survival rates, retinoblastoma can cause blindness and 50 per cent of children will have to have the affected eye removed.

Early signs of retinoblastoma can include:

• a sudden squint

• reported deterioration in sight

• a white glow in the pupil, in certain lights or if a photo is taken with a flash

• a change in the colour of the iris

• a red or swollen eye without infection