Proton beam therapy 'spares healthy brain cells'

The main component for a new proton beam therapy centre, due to open at The Christie in Manchester in August 2018, is arriving a the hospital.

Erin Birdsey, from Northwich, Cheshire, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was aged six, is one of many patients who have been sent abroad by the NHS for the treatment.

She and her family went to the US. Her mum Rachael said: "To be able to spare as many healthy brain cells as possible, which proton does, it makes such a difference.

She thinks having the treatment close to home "can only be a positive thing".