'Alfie is an inspiration to us all': South Staffordshire boy who survived brain cancer continues to help other families as he finishes final year at school
A schoolboy from Essington who survived brain cancer and had to learn to walk and talk again is continuing to help other families facing childhood cancer.
"Alfie is an inspiration to us all and we are so proud of him", Alfie’s mum Kerry said. "He continues to have difficulties and late effects from treatment, but he is doing amazing."
In September 2019, nine-year-old Alfie Hinks from Essington, South Staffordshire, four miles away from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with a brain tumour after weeks of headaches, vomiting and fatigue. He underwent major surgery, six weeks of radiotherapy and eight months of chemotherapy.
Following surgery, Alfie developed posterior fossa syndrome, a condition affecting movement and speech, resulting in him having to learn to walk and talk again.
He was able to ‘ring the bell’ to signal his recovery after his final chemotherapy session on November 3, 2020.
During his recovery Alfie decided he wanted to raise money for the hospitals that saved his life, setting up 'Alfie’s Smile'. Through his charity, Alfie has consistently raised money to help children battling cancer.
In November 2025, for example, 'Alfie's Smile' donated £500, as well as Christmas presents, to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.
The NHS Trust wrote on Facebook: "A huge thank you to Alfie's Smile for their generous donation of £500 and Christmas presents for our children's ward at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. Your incredible fundraising and continued support is really appreciated".
Last December Alfie celebrated his 16th birthday. Due to the aggressive therapies that saved his life Alfie has been left with lifelong disabilities and as a result continues to experience learning challenges at school.
Despite this, Alfie's mum Kerry, from Wolverhampton, said that he is "doing amazing". He is preparing to begin a supported animal care college course and still volunteers his time to help other families facing childhood cancer.
Kerry said: "He continues to have difficulties and late effects from treatment, but he is doing amazing.
"Alfie is in his final year at school with some struggles. He is very nearly at the end, and we have now found a college that can fully support Alfie’s needs in readiness for September 2026, where Alfie will complete a course around animal care.
"Alfie also continues with lots of voluntary charity work supporting children and families like us. Alfie is an inspiration to us all and we are so proud of him."
She added: “Nothing can prepare you for hearing the words ‘your child has a brain tumour’. Watching Alfie go through surgery, radiotherapy and months of chemotherapy was heartbreaking, yet he still found the strength to bring joy to others.”
Despite all of his challenges, Alfie has always been known for his humour, kindness, and ability to lift spirits through his small gifts and jokes.
Alfie said: “There were some really hard days, but I focused on staying positive and helping others. If my experience can help improve treatment for children in the future, that means a lot.”
Gavin Maggs, chief executive of Children with Cancer UK, said: “Brain tumours continue to have the most devastating impact on young lives. This is why investing in high quality research is absolutely essential.
"The projects we’re funding are not just advancing scientific knowledge, they have the potential to fundamentally change how these cancers are diagnosed and treated, offering children safer and more effective options than ever before. With the public’s support this March, we can accelerate breakthroughs so that more children survive and live well after treatment.”
To support life-changing research and family services, visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
