Noah, age 5, is receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Awareness of childhood cancer symptoms is vital
The symptoms of childhood cancer are not always clear cut, as they can often appear similar to those of other childhood illnesses. This means children, like five year old Noah, can suffer pain or discomfort for weeks, or even months before diagnosis and treatment.
Prior to his diagnosis, for four months, Noah experienced sporadic leg pain, which his GP attributed to growing pains. One night the pain was so bad, it made him vomit.
His mum Shay and dad Liam rushed him to A&E, and returned four days in a row before an MRI was carried out.
Initially, doctors thought it was a common bone infection, but two weeks later a bone biopsy revealed it was in fact acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Noah receiving treatment in hospital
Nothing can prepare a parent for their child’s cancer diagnosis
“Nothing can prepare you for that moment when you are told your child has cancer,” recalls Shay. On 14 December 2023 we received the news over the phone, and it felt like our whole world shattered. The pain was unimaginable, every cell in your body bursts – like nothing we’d ever felt before. From that moment on, we were living with constant adrenaline and knotted stomachs for months.
“We’re now 12 months into treatment at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. The first nine months were incredibly intense and challenging, but we were fortunate to have amazing support from grandparents and friends. They helped us care for our then one-year-old daughter and our dog while we spent days at the hospital.
“Friends also sent countless grocery deliveries, gifts for Noah in hospital, flowers, cards, messages – our army has certainly helped us navigate this year. We take it day by day and try to stay present and grateful for every moment.”
Noah loves sports and exploring. But he’s also into baking and building Lego!
Childhood cancer – a life changing diagnosis for children and families
Noah’s cancer has changed every single aspect of his family’s lives.
Originally from South Africa, the family only moved to the UK two and a half years ago. Yet they uprooted everything and moved to a new city to be closer to the hospital, leaving friends behind.
“Both of us have had to transition from full-time to part-time work, significantly reducing our household income.
“But this journey has also taught us to be grateful for what we have. It’s helped us appreciate the little things that bring joy and value movement and health more than ever before.”
Noah – an outgoing and adventurous little boy
Noah is wild, confident, and incredibly resilient. He’s known for making people laugh and is always up for an adventure. He’s active, high-energy, and absolutely loves sports and exploring. He’s also into baking and building Lego.
He’s a huge fan of of his little sister, Harper, now aged two, who he enjoys spending time with, but he also like to hang out with friends, just like any normal boy.
Noah was thrilled to receive his Kids’ Cancer Kit from Cancer Support UK
A Kids’ Kit from Cancer Support UK brought comfort to Noah
Noah was so excited and grateful when he opened his Kids’ Kit! He cuddled his Warmies® bunny straight away.
“We always pack his Minion warming socks for hospital visits. It’s a great comfort to bring things from home when you’re there for a long time.”
Noah adores cuddling his Warmies(R) bunny, which came in his Kids’ Kit
A date to ring the bell
Thankfully, Noah is currently in the 18-month maintenance phase and spend less time in the hospital. He is set to ring the bell (signifying the end of his cancer treatment) on 12 January 2026.
Help send a Kids’ Kit to other children with cancer, like Noah
Can you help us send a Kids’ Kit to every child diagnosed with cancer in the UK? Will you join us in 2025 and help us reach every child being treated for cancer in hospital? You can sign up to become a regular giver easily and securely. Just choose the amount you’d like to give:
- Give £3.25 a month to support a child every year
- Give £6.50 a month to support two children every year
- Give £9.75 a month to support three children a year
