Hugs Children’s Cancer Charity
Heroes Stories
Superhero: Riley Hoult
Riley Hoult, two, from Leeds, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2014 when he was just one year old. His mother Sophie is a single parent who has bravely fought side by side with Riley. Riley was Hugs Children’s Cancer Charity’s first wish child and was given an iPad and vouchers that he could use while spending weeks at a time in hospital, often confined to one room without being able to leave. The iPad is also used as a distraction technique during painful treatments and scans. A seemingly small gift has really made a difference to both Riley and Sophie.
Superhero: Jenson Pashley
When diagnosed with stage 4, high risk, neuroblastoma, Jenson’s family naturally feared the worst. His treatment got underway at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London but that meant long periods away from home, his wider family and especially his older brother. His parents took it in turn to be beside him during his treatment but time together as a family unit was extremely rare. Making use of the Hugs respite home in Cornwall was a game changer for the family as a whole. For a period of time, they were well away from the stress and strain that comes with time in hospital and it enabled the family to have precious moments together allowing them to make memories, which as we know is one of the most important things a family can do.
Superhero: Harvey Hext
Superheroes come in many guises, but few have showed the bravery that Harvey Hext has shown. Born with down syndrome, Harvey’s life was complicated further when he was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. This incredibly positive, funny and often cheeky young lad showed the sort of resilience that only real heroes do. Extensive treatment for neuroblastoma led to a further diagnosis of sarcoma which results in two major operations which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Before this truly inspirational boy passed away, Hugs were able to make sure that he and his family attended the Caudwell Butterfly Ball where he was surrounded by celebrities such as Sarah Ferguson and Lionel Ritchie. He loved being at that event but we also suspect he quite like the attention he received as well. Harvey may well be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten.
Superhero: Delilah Read
After receiving the devasting news that this one year old had stage 4 neuroblastoma, her family prepared themselves for a lengthy period of treatment at Great Ormond Street in London. What this meant was that family time together was going to be close to non-existent in the ensuring weeks and months and this would undoubtedly impact wider family life back at home. We heard about the family’s story at Hugs and decided to give them something that would make a difference and soon after that initial contact they embarked on a family trip to Disneyland, Paris. When it comes to children and cancer, it’s not always about money, but it always about making memories because that’s something that money can’t buy. We’re pleased to say that having won her battle with cancer, Delilah is now doing incredibly well.
Superhero: Harris Rea
Harris was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumour at the beginning of July 2019 after his nursery found a large amount of blood clots in his nappy. They discovered a 7cm tumour within his right kidney; after 4 weeks of intense Chemotherapy he had a major operation to fully remove the kidney and we were pleased to say that the operation was a success. Once Harris was fully recovered from the operation, he then received a further 4 weeks of Chemotherapy and he was then able to ring the ‘End of Treatment’ Bell on the 26th September 2019. We collectively decided to leave ‘Hickman line’ (the line use to administer Chemo and other fluids that are needed) still attached to Harris just in case he relapse shortly after treatment which is common, sadly the line had Bacteria forming inside and Harris got Sepsis, for a night at hospital we honestly thought that this may not end positively, an emergency operation took place to remove the line and after plenty of Antibiotics, Harris pulled through. He is now a very loud and thunderous character, always announcing that he is in the room, allowing everyone to recognise that he is there and he requires you to acknowledge this. He is extremely close to his mum and loves to participate in the household chores, this is usually very welcomed. Harris is so independent, there is no stopping him in what he wants to achieve and hopefully this attitude remains throughout his life. As with most children in remission, Harris still has medical issues from the side effects of his Chemo or by having just the single kidney, but this is manageable. We recognise that the effects of cancer does not just stop at the patient but the family will all suffer from some sort of scarring, but Harris remains with us and for this, we know we are extremely lucky and grateful!
In Feb 2016, Hugs Children's Cancer Charity gave me lots of tlc and emotional support when my daughter relapsed with Neuroblastoma. The lovely Elsbeth Hallam and Nee Maslen-Jones was at the end of the phone to give me invaluable comfort, support, and advice when I needed it, and has remained a great friend to me ever since. Amazing charity that absolutely rocks!
In 2017 during Isabella’s 3rd journey with neuroblastoma, we were able to enjoy a wonderful week away from hospital visits thanks to Hugs Children's Cancer Charity. We were treated to a week in Devon and Isabella was able to take part in some brilliant activities which really took her mind off her treatment and allowed her to just be a child for a week. Hugs Children's Cancer Charity thank you so very much for putting a massive smile on Isabella's face. You are just amazing!
Hugs gave our family the opportunity to have a Weekend holiday to Cornwall, where we could all recuperate and start the process of mending ourselves as a family unit, we came back revitalised, now our children have defining memories of their yearly trips. It is incredibly important that families have this time and we hope with the support from the public that Hugs are able to continue their fantastic support for the children with Cancer.
