A New Zealand mother who has rejected life-saving treatment for her cancer-stricken son has admitted that among the reasons for her bitter legal battle is a fear that she might never become a grandmother.
Sally Roberts says she is worried that radiotherapy would damage her 7-year old son Neon's DNA, reduce his IQ and leave him infertile. Last week, the 37-year-old lost a controversial High Court battle in Britain against Neon's father and doctors who want the boy to receive radiotherapy treatment for a malignant brain tumour.
Yesterday, she gave a defiant interview on ITV's Daybreak programme in the UK to say she is going to appeal against the judge's decision for Neon to receive immediate treatment.
"We all want what is best for Neon. I would not even consider an appeal if I did not think it was the best thing,'' said the mother of two.
When asked why she opposed radiotherapy, Ms Roberts replied: "Just damaging the DNA, altering it and him never recovering from that. Affecting his growth, leaving him infertile. No grandchildren is a big factor.