A Newport family who’s son underwent gruelling treatment following a shock cancer diagnosis in February last year are calling on locals to back a campaign to support the charity that helped them through it all.
In the build up to World Cancer Day on Sunday 4th February, the Earley family are sharing their story to encourage locals to raise vital funds and awareness for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.
The Earley’s from Newport had their world turned upside down when their son, Nicholas, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma aged just 14 with his only symptom being a pain in his shoulder. Nicholas’s doctor ran tests and they very quickly discovered it was Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Susan, Nicholas’s Mum said:
“When we were told that Nicholas had cancer, we were in total shock. It was unbelievable, as we didn’t know he was ill, it wasn’t like he was lying on the sofa ill for ages, he just had a pain in the shoulder.”
Following the diagnosis Nicholas underwent four rounds of chemotherapy in Southampton.
During his treatment for cancer, Susan says that Nicholas was very determined and got on with it all. He was ill, with headaches and muscle spasms but was a perfect patient.
Throughout this difficult time the family received support from Nicky, their CLIC Sargent social worker, who provides practical, emotional and financial support and they stayed in one of the charities ‘home from homes’ in Southampton where families can stay for free to be near their child.
Susan said:
“Nicky, was always there for us. She was there from day one when Nicholas had chemotherapy. She helped make Nicholas’s life easier and happier for example she gave him something positive to look forward to by getting in touch with the Make a Wish Foundation.”
Now the Earley family are keen to give something back to the charity by urging locals to get behind World Cancer Day. As part of the World Cancer Day campaign, supporters can donate £2 to get their CLIC Sargent Band against Cancer wristband available in 3 collectable colours.
Nicholas said:
“I’m really proud to wear my Band Against Cancer wristband because CLIC Sargent made such a difference to me and my family. Buying a band and shouting about this campaign is such an easy way to make sure you can help other families. I hope everyone in Newport gets behind this!”
Liz Blunt, CLIC Sargent Fundraising & Engagement Manager for the Isle of Wight, said:
“Hearing the word ‘cancer’ can leave a lot of friends, family and loved ones, not knowing what to say, or do, and feeling helpless. Donating and getting your Band Against Cancer wristband is a simple way to show your support for CLIC Sargent and families who have had their lives turned upside down.
“With your help, CLIC Sargent can reach those families behind the statistics, through our support workers and nurses who provide practical, emotional and financial support, to help minimise the damage cancer causes to young people beyond their health. I am really grateful to the Earley family for their support, Mum, Susan, is even helping us out with a bucket collection at Newport Morrisons on the 4th February.”
To find out more about World Cancer Day and to get your own Band Against Cancer wristband go to: www.clicsargent.org.uk/WorldCancerDay also available in JD Wetherspoon pubs, Morrisons stores and select H Samuel and Ernest Jones stores.
