On 2nd January 2020, at just 5 years old, Harrison was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His parents had spent weeks battling escalating symptoms and unanswered questions before finally hearing the words no family ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.”
Harrison was sent to Ward 86 at Manchester Children’s Hospital, he was in kidney failure and too unwell to have the Hickman line fitted that he needed to begin treatment. Then, one terrifying night, he suffered a traumatic five-hour nosebleed and needed several blood transfusions.
Harrison was taken to ICU and placed on a ventilator due to complications which was such a frightening time for everyone. Thankfully, the rest and sleep helped his body recover just enough to begin the fight ahead.
It was during those early, disorienting days that his family received a Milly Bag. A small gesture that, in their words, “made us feel like we weren’t alone.”
His rainbow blanket and elephant became daily comforts. Mum used the notebook to record vital information she couldn’t retain due to the stress and worry of what was going on. Even the toiletries were a lifeline when they had arrived at hospital with nothing at all with them.
Today, five years on, Harrison is doing incredibly well, he is a happy and strong young boy who continues to amaze everyone around him.
Recently, his family held a special celebration evening to mark five years in remission. We were honoured to be invited and thrilled that the evening raised an incredible £1,211, with a further £500 donated by Harrison’s aunty’s employer.
The whole evening was fabulous, made even more special by the presence of two of Milly’s wonderful nurses from Ward 86. But the most emotional moment of all was watching Harrison ring the End of Treatment Bell once more. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
To Harrison’s family a huge thank you for inviting us to share your evening, and for choosing Milly’s Smiles to support. You are helping us to continue supporting children just like Harrison every single day.
#MilysSmiles #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #HarrisonsJourney #EndOfTreatmentBell #MakingADifference
