Bruce was delighted when he received a special warmable teddy from Cancer Support UK
Life has been tough for little Bruce. Diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell lymphoma in July 2022 when he was just two years old, Bruce’s world was turned upside down overnight.
A healthy, happy and energetic little boy, who loved spending time at home on the farm and playing football with his brothers, he was whisked into hospital in Leeds, where he spent many weeks undergoing intense chemotherapy to combat this extremely aggressive form of cancer.
Bruce treasures Johnny, his bear, and takes him to all his hospital appointments
The treatment left him very poorly. But for Bruce, the support and love of his family helped get him through.
The one constant that Bruce has had in his life is his love for teddies. So Bruce was delighted when he received a special warmable teddy, which was delivered to him as part of our Cuddles for Christmas campaign, when we send gorgeous teds to children with cancer who are being treated in hospital at Christmas.
Bruce’s mum, Stephanie said:
“We were so fortunate to be gifted a beautiful teddy, which Bruce named Johnny. He now comes with us everywhere, as Bruce finds it very comforting to snuggle with him during all his gruelling treatments at Leeds Hospital. The lavender scent aids with his sleep, which has been disturbed while staying in hospital.
“When Bruce has a sore tummy, we pop Johnny in the microwave so he can give Bruce a warm hug.”
We recently received an update from Bruce’s mum. Very sadly, after receiving the all clear, Bruce has unfortunately relapsed and is now having a stem cell transplant.
Bruce was a healthy, happy and energetic little boy who loved spending time at home on the farm and playing football, before his cancer diagnosis and treatment
His mum, Stephanie, told us:
“Bruce’s older brother Jack (aged seven) is donating stem cells as he is a match. Bruce still treasures Johnny and will be taking him with us when we go in for eight weeks in isolation in Leeds.”
For Bruce, Johnny has become a constant companion – a cuddly comfort who’s helped him through the worst of times. Please could you help us give another child that soft hug when they’re feeling sick and frightened, by helping us to fill Kids’ Kits to bring a little joy, distraction and soothing relief during hospital treatment.
Little Bruce still has some way to go, but the kindness of supporters like you has brought him so much comfort on his treatment journey, as well as the knowledge that others care, which can mean so much when you’re feeling cut off and alone. Please, if you can, send a gift today.
