A week after Oliver Smith was given a walking cane, his family has found out the three-year-old also needs to wear hearing aids in both ears.

The youngster, of Coral Road, Minster, has the childhood cancer neuroblastoma and lost the sight in his left eye and most of the vision in his right eye due to tumours so is now being taught how to use a cane.

Last week, Oliver had four days of tests at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

The first of these was a hearing test which has shown he will need hearing aids fitted.

His mum Natalie said the chemotherapy he had has irreparably damaged some of the nerve endings in his ears, and although he is not totally deaf, he does have some problems.

Other tests included an ultra sound on his tummy, which is where one of the initial tumours was found, and that has come back clear.

He also had a scan which will check the condition of the tumours which remain in his leg and head. Natalie will get the results of this on October 5.

She said: “I knew the hearing aids were a possibility but I didn’t realise he would have to have them in both.

“He’s quite happy because he’s picked out robot stickers to go on his hearing aids.”

She said she’s not really sure how Oliver will get on with using them, but he has taken everything else in his stride so she’s sure he will be fine.

Meanwhile, a fund set up to raise £150,000 for Oliver for treatment he could need in Germany has had a boost after a brave supermarket worker had his chest waxed.

Paul Constable, who works at the Co-op in Queenborough, underwent the painful procedure on Friday and raised £350 – which means the appeal total is now £85,572.

The 24-year-old said: “I had forgotten how painful it was and I am never doing that again – I did say that last year though.

“I am really pleased with how much money we raised. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me.”

American wrestlers are on the bill for an Oliver fundraiser on Friday, November 16, at Sheerness East Working Men’s Club in Halfway.

Sheerness wrestler Pitbull will be coming out of retirement for one match only and Stinger from TNA Impact and The Phantom from WWE will be fighting. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available in advance from the club or on the door on the night.

• Call 07952 791087 to book.

If you would like to donate to the appeal, you can text OLIS99 and the amount you want to give (from £1 to £10) to 70070. The donation will be included in your phone bill or deducted from your balance.

Alternatively, give online at or pop into the Times Guardian office where you can also buy charity wristbands and CDs.