A Lewisham youngster who survived of a rare form of eye cancer took a starring role in a 160-mile bike ride for the charity which supported her family through their ordeal.

Ayana Catanitiou was diagnosed with retinoblastoma when she was just nine months old - but it took a battle by her parents to convince doctors something was wrong.

Mum Oana Visan's suspicions were first aroused when little Ayana had to move her head to be able to see things on her right hand side.

The 24-year-old explained: "We took her to a health visitor and GPs but all the diagnoses were totally wrong. They didn't even check her eye. They thought maybe it was because she was born by forceps."

Later, when their child's eye began to change colour they returned to hospital only to be told nothing was wrong. 

Not satisfied, they returned days later and finally got the awful news that Ayana had eye cancer and her eye would have to be removed to save her life.

Ms Visan said: "I remember the doctor said in the best case we'll remove the eye. I didn't even think they could do that."

Ayana now needs to wear a false eye but, fortunately, tests have shown that the cancer did not spread.

Her mum said: "It shows that, sometimes, parents know better than doctors.

"She's fine now. I'd say she's just like any other child. She's quite brave, even when we're going to take the eye out."

After her surgery, the family met a support worker from the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust who provided them with information and advice.

And this month, Ayana was chosen to wave off more than 40 cyclists for the annual Ride4Sight challenge - a gruelling two-day journey from Stratford to Nottingham which raised around £26,000 for the charity thanks to support from Vision Express.

Charity chief executive Joy Felgate said: "We now have a new full time employee who can support our members, we have a dedicated post for addressing the needs of our teenage community, and we’re investing in research into the treatment and psychological aspects of this rare condition."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/ride4sight2014/ or, to give £5, text VERS55 £5 to 70070.