BRAVE John Mark Riding, who is stricken with cancer, is recovering in an Australian hospital today after undergoing a nine-hour operation to remove a brain tumour.

His parents, John Riding, from Blackburn, and Jacqueline Sanderson were at his bedside after the gruelling surgery, which was declared a success by doctors.

John, five, a former Lancashire Evening Telegraph Baby of the Year, who has already beaten the odds British doctors gave him by four months, was flown to the private hospital in Sydney earlier this month, after his condition took a turn for the worse.

The youngster, who moved from Darwen to Redruth, Cornwall, three years ago, was diagnosed with the aggressive tumour back in October.

His parents had opted for the operation by an Australian specialist, after being told their son had only three weeks to live without surgery.

This was especially dangerous because the tumour was on the brain stem. Doctors in Britain had said, because of its position, surgery was too risky and, therefore inoperable.

John, who was said to be in 'good spirits,' was able to undergo such a gruelling operation, thanks to eight weeks of treatment at a clinic in Germany, where he had received holistic therapy.

He had amazed doctors and visitors to the clinic with his progress there, which helped to boost his immune system.

Kerry Riding, from Audley, John's grown-up sister, said: "John went into surgery at 10pm and at about 8am the next morning came the news we had all been hoping and waiting for: John had come through the operation.

"Dr Teo had awoken him and examined him and he had no brain damage and all his organs were working. Despite the complexity of the operation, John was fine. We are all amazed at this surgeon's skill."

After the surgery, John spent the next 24 hours in intensive care and was then moved to a regular ward. When he returns to England, the family hope he will be treated at Bristol Children's Hospital.

Kerry added: "Prior to the surgery, John was given three weeks, but his outlook is now spoken of in years. The battle is not over yet. About 90 per cent of the tumour has been removed and the doctors are extremely pleased with the outcome."

Neurosurgery specialist Dr Charles Teo, at the Prince of Wales private hospital in Randwick, Sydney, said the operation had been a success and had given John more time. He is now liaising with staff at the Bristol hospital, ready for John's return to England.

He said: "The operation was a success in that we secured a tissue diagnosis, we did not hurt him and we may have bought him some time.

"Certainly without the surgery he would definitely have not lived much longer, but John also has a few hurdles to jump before having the chemo.

"He is likely to need a shunt operation to drain some of the fluid from his brain. Both the patient and the parents are extremely brave.

"He has an amazing will to live and they have so much love for him."

Doctors and John's parents are now deciding how to treat his condition.

He is likely to have fluid from his brain drained unless this disperses naturally, but it is standard procedure done under local anaesthetic.

He will stop having steroid injections, which should help the swelling around his face and head to reduce and he is expected to need extensive physiotherapy and lots of mental stimulus.

Danny Vose, spokesman for the John Riding Appeal said: "The appeal would like to stress that finance is still desperately needed, even though the operation is now over.

"There are still medical fees that have to be financed and fundraising will be ongoing to support John's welfare and further treatments and general needs.

"The family have once again asked me to express their sincere gratitude to the Blackburn community and the media who have supported their son so much.

"While they can't thank each individual personally, they are, nevertheless, aware of the support that has been given and are very grateful."

To donate to the appeal, telephone 01254 580827.

Take a look at the John Mark Riding site...