In April 1978, at just 18 months old, Daniel was eventually diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This is his story…
“I say ‘eventually’ because at that time, none of my GPs in Halifax knew why I had bruises and other symptoms. After several appointments, one GP was worried, and referred me to Seacroft Hospital in Leeds where I was officially diagnosed.” Daniel says.
“For the next three years, I had chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy, which meant constant commuting between Halifax and Leeds. As I’m the youngest of five, the impact of our mum having to focus on me, took its toll.
I went into remission in April 1981, when I was five. But then I was faced with the side effects of the treatment. I suffered teeth problems, so I had to have regular appointments at The Leeds Dental Hospital, alongside regular checkups at Seacroft Hospital.
When I was 10, I was told I had stunted growth due to the cranial radiotherapy, meaning I would be prescribed growth hormone replacement therapy. That was injections three times a week to begin with, then every day until I was about 14.
My childhood was mainly based around hospital appointments and I’m still, at the age of 49, under the radar.
In 2002, 21 years after completing treatment my treatment, I started my journey of self-discovery, finding out exactly what I went through during my treatment.
Now, I class myself as fit, healthy and have an amazing 7-year-old daughter, something I never thought possible due to the chemotherapy.
I’ve never shied away from what I’ve been through and have always spoken openly about it. My life experiences have now led to a big career change, and I’ve recently retrained as a Support Worker and feel I have a lot to offer.
I’m also a trained telephone buddy for Macmillan Cancer UK and a Facilitator for Andy’s Man Club.
It’s my time to give back.”
Thank you so much to Daniel for sharing his story and how the impacts of his childhood cancer have continued long after he finished treatment.
As Candlelighters marks 50 years of supporting children and young people with cancer, we reflect on how far support has come for children and families, from comprehensive emotional support through to our family support centre, The Square.
And, thanks to the incredible support of our Candlelighters community, we can continue to be there for people like Daniel, for many years to come.
If you’d like to support children with cancer and their families across Yorkshire, you can donate to Candlelighters here.
