Harrison's Story

Harrison is 11years old and currently in maintenance treatment for T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. End of treatment is 28 March 2026.

Harrison was diagnosed on 1 December 2022, I initially thought he was constipated. After several trips to the doctors, a referral to our local hospital they found his left lung was filled with fluid. He was rushed into surgery for a chest drain. After a week in two different ICUs I was given his cancer diagnosis. Then became the endless rounds of chemotherapy, 6 months of intensive treatment.

Harrison developed several bloods clots at each of his central line placements, the most serious one in his right leg making him unable to walk. Harrison was too unwell from his treatment, the blood clots and various side effects to make it to school for more than a few hours a week during his first year of treatment. As treatment progressed and his blood clots dispersed he was able to tolerate home tutoring and a few more hours a week at school. After 18months of treatment Harrison was able to walk back into school and attend his final year at primary school full time. He’s really looking forward to starting secondary school in a few weeks time.

We both find it hard to believe how far we’ve come and the end or treatment is almost in touching distance. Harrison’s most looking forward to a 3 day party! One for each year of treatment he’s had to endure.

Huge thank you to everyone at Ben Saunders Foundation for this opportunity