Kai's Story

Kai was just 10 years old when he began experiencing random episodes of vomiting over a six-week period. After multiple visits to his GP, A&E, and numerous hospital admissions, he was diagnosed with a WNT medulloblastoma brain tumour in August 2021.

Following his diagnosis, Kai was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where he underwent a gruelling 9-hour brain surgery to remove the tumour.

Unfortunately, the surgery resulted in posterior fossa syndrome, leaving Kai with poor speech, ataxia, and balance problems. After six weeks of recovery on the ward, Kai then had to spend 6 weeks in Manchester, where he attended the Christie Centre for 30 sessions of proton beam radiotherapy.

Kai then endured six months of chemotherapy at Birmingham Children's Hospital. In June 2022, Kai rang the bell, signifying the end of his treatment, and received the all-clear in August 2022.

As Kai began his recovery, he made significant improvements in his speech and mobility, eagerly anticipating his transition to secondary school in September 2022. Tragically, just over two months after getting the all-clear, Kai relapsed, this time with tumours in his ventricles. He had to undergo another 9-hour brain surgery, followed by six weeks of photon radiotherapy at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and then began an oral chemotherapy regime.

In April 2023, we received the devastating news that Kai's tumours continued to grow and spread, and the treatment was no longer effective. We were advised to go home and make as many memories as possible. Kai endured 18 months of continuous palliative chemotherapy and another 13 sessions of radiotherapy to try and slow the progression.

Kai battled with so much courage, but sadly, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 23, 2024, at the age of 14.

Kai loved school and made every effort to attend, even when he wasn't feeling well. He cherished spending time with his family and adored his pet dog, Ted. A passionate gamer, Kai aspired to be a YouTuber so he could afford a big house and have many dogs. He was a devoted Manchester City fan and greatly admired Phil Foden.

Everyone who knew Kai remarked on how special he was. He was incredibly funny and witty, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. I am so proud to be Kai's mom; he had the biggest heart, he was so kind and caring, and he he always put others' needs before his own. Despite everything he went through over three years, Kai remained incredibly strong, brave, and never once complained.

I miss Kai dearly, and our lives have been shattered since his passing. Kai would have turned 15 on September 19, and the anniversary of his passing is approaching.

Knowing how hard Kai fought gives me the strength to continue living for him. Although it is painful, we try to do the things Kai would have loved, including spending a weekend in a lodge.

We have many fond memories of our breaks away and are immensely grateful to the Ben Saunders Foundation for providing us with this opportunity to remember my boy.