Torbay Freemasons Help Lola to Hit the Right Notes.
Little Lola Wearne, who is only 8 years old (nearly 9 she now tells me) has over a long period had to attend the Moorfields eye hospital in London. Where she has undergone 3 major operations to save the eyesight in both her eyes due to a diagnosis of bilateral congenital Glaucoma.
Amazingly Lola is now learning to play the piano & attends lessons with Marlene Hine a local Piano teacher who is also teaching Courtland Masonic Lodges very own Derek Burtenshaw. Derek heard Lola’s story & brough it to the attention of Mike Locke, Charity Steward for the lodge.
The Brethren of Courtland Lodge agreed to support Lola & her family by paying for 10 lessons alongside securing a large Teddies for Loving care bear. From this donation appeal the brethren of Courtland Lodge doubled the number of lessons through private gifts also gathered from their members. On hearing Lola’s story at a meeting the Worshipful master of Torbay Lodge 1358 approached his members, who all agreed to support Lola & her family with a cheque for £150 in support of their next visit to Moorfields.
Recently Lola & her parents Laura & Callum attended the Masonic Lodge in Courtland road, where Lola received her bear given by the Masonic “Teddy’s for Loving Care” project and a total of £530 which was presented to her parents to help cover the piano lessons & their travel costs in the coming months. Lola is due to have a small operation shortly and a larger one by the end of the month in her other eye. For such a brave little girl she had such a big smile, as you will see in the attached photos.
Lola’s Story.
Lola was born with an eye condition that could lead to losing her sight. Thanks to the help of Moorfields, her vision remains almost a decade later. Lola’s mum shares her journey from a baby to now and hopes to raise awareness.
Everyone told Laura that her daughter Lola had big, beautiful eyes. However, from only four weeks old, Lola was frequently visiting the GP as she was suffering from red, puffy and weeping fluid in her eyes.
The GP told them it was just a viral illness, but Lola’s sensitivity to light got worse as the months progressed.
She was not hitting her milestones, didn’t want to play anymore and would cry if any light was on her.
I was so worried, I didn’t know what was wrong with my baby but I knew something wasn’t right.
Laura Massey
Laura trusted the GP and got stronger glasses for her daughter, but Lola’s suffering continued.
Referral to Moorfields
Lola was referred to Moorfields after her 8-9 month check-up with the health visitor, and she was seen very quickly.
In the late afternoon, Lola was seen by a specialist paediatric eye doctor.
They discovered that Lola had very high pressure in her eyes and needed urgent treatment, otherwise she could lose her vision.
My heart just stopped, I just cried and cried. I knew something wasn’t right with Lola but I just wasn’t sure what was wrong. I was distraught.
Laura Massey
Lola was diagnosed with bilateral congenital glaucoma.
Laura was relieved to have finally received a diagnosis for her daughter Lola and could now focus on her treatment.
The first 8 months of Lola’s life were very hard. She couldn’t enjoy the summer sunshine or play outside due to her light sensitivity.
She always had to be in the dark, even the shade outdoors was too uncomfortable for her, causing her to cry and close her eyes.
Laura took Lola on holiday but had to keep her covered and in the shade, which made her feel awful.
Now, at nearly 9 years old, Lola has already had two operations, and she is likely to undergo another one soon.
She recently had a glaucoma tube implanted in her right eye.
This resulted in Lola’s eye pressure being the lowest it has ever been, and her optic nerve even showed some improvement. Laura cried when she heard the news.
Lola’s school has been very good at accommodating her needs. During class she has an iPad and a whiteboard next to her in case she can’t see the board or if there is too much glare.
This helps ensure she can always do her work and not struggle.
We feel Lola has been able to grow up well and live a normal happy life, which as parents, is all you wish for your child.
Laura Massey
Lola has grown up well adapting to life and her environments.
The low vision clinic at Torbay Hospital sees Lola every year to see if she needs any learning aids.
Moorfields has been a second home to Lola and her parents, with appointments every 2-4 months since Lola’s first visit at 9 months old.
The care, support and treatment they have received has been exceptional.
Lola is under the care of Mr John Brookes and always looks forward to seeing him. Laura described him as polite, kind, caring, supportive, informative and compassionate.
He saved Lola’s sight and they are very grateful for that.
Everyone at Moorfield’s has always been so lovely and kind, from the receptionist, optometrists, play stay, nurses, locum DR’s, the anaesthetic team to the Ronald McDonald house staff.
Laura Massey
Although Laura sometimes worries about Lola’s eyes and her future, she always feels at ease when they go to Moorfields.
They are miracle workers who save babies and children’s precious sight. I honestly don’t know where we would be without Moorfields. We will forever be grateful.
Laura Massey
Advice to other parents
Laura’s advice to parents with a child diagnosed with bilateral congenital glaucoma is to reach out for support and do research to help learn about glaucoma and remember there is hope.
The Moorfields website has plenty of information on glaucoma.
She also recommends always asking the GP for a second opinion and keep talking to staff involved in your baby or child’s care.
Awareness and giving back
Laura hopes Lola’s story will raise awareness on this rare eye condition and Moorfields Eye Charity’s impact on funding treatments and research to help children with glaucoma.
Laura and her mum also donates when they can.
It’s an amazing charity, raising money to fund life changing research and treatments. A charity we will always be grateful for.
Laura Massey
