The mum of a ten-year-old girl who travelled to America to undergo pioneering cancer therapy says her daughter has responded “fantastically” to the treatment.

Nicole Bowers, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour earlier this year, flew out to Oklahoma in May to be treated at the ProCure Proton Therapy Centre in Oklahoma City.

She had already undergone 17 hours of surgery in Leeds to remove as much of the tumour as possible but, because of its location on the cerebral core, she needed the proton therapy, which is only available in America.

The treatment is more powerful and accurate than traditional radiotherapy and does not damage surrounding tissue.

She is now back home in Wibsey with her parents Tere and Christine Bowers, both 51, who accompanied her on the trip. This week Nicole had her first appointment with her oncology and radiography consultants at Leeds General Infirmary, who were both delighted with her progress so far.

The youngster is also busy keeping up with her physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language, dental, psychology and eye appointments.

Mrs Bowers said: “Nicole did not suffer any side effects, apart from a small amount of hair loss. She responded fantastically to the treatment.

“She took it all in her stride – she only gets distressed if there is a needle involved but on the whole she is doing really well.

“We still have another operation to face to have her central line removed and the hurdle of the first MRI scan in October to get under our belts. It will not tell us she is definitely cured but it will tell us if we are on the right road.”

Nicole will have a further MRI scan three months after the first, followed by six-monthly scans for the next three to five years to check there is no regrowth of the tumour.

Mrs Bowers said the trip had been a “life enriching experience” and well worth all the effort to get out there. While the NHS paid for the treatment, friends and family raised thousands of pounds for the family’s costs.

“Of all the treatments she could have had this has been the least invasive and is the one with the least possible side effects but the best prospects of success,” said Mrs Bowers.

“We feel thankful that the type of cancer she had was able to be treated in this way. I would say to other families facing it, don’t be scared or worried. Oklahoma has the best people.

“Back home the support has been absolutely phenomenal and because Nicole faces an uncertain future we are going to continue fundraising.”