This is one of the newest uses of PDT, now being offered experimentally at The Royal Free Hospital in London and treats a group of vascular tumour types. There is the haemangioma that affects the blood vessels, and the lymphangioma that is associated with the lymph vessels. Then there is ‘Elephant Man’ disease – Neurofibromatosis - that distends and distorts the face. There is also the ‘simple’ birthmark – another vascular condition.

The work is taking place under the direction of Colin Hopper, senior maxillo-facial surgeon at UCH and Dr Joe Brookes. They have treated 30 such cases, ranging from the smallest birthmarks to the most disfiguring deformities that compel children to stay away from school and from public places for fear of ridicule.

First funding for this work has come from rock music legend, Robert Plant and a leading children’s charity.

If you would like to contribute to this essential work, please go to the donate section to read more about the trial. And if you know of patients of any age who you think might benefit from this work, please contact Joe Brookes: Email: ocelyn.brookes@uclh.nhs.uk

To read the story of Teri Hargreaves click here