Holiday from hospital

 

Picture: Dave Grainger, partner Claire, and sons Theo and Sam

We love to hear from people if they have enjoyed our services and we were really touched by the story of Dave Grainger, whose family took a break in our Whitby apartment after son Theo was taken ill with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Dave wrote: “In November 2016, our then seven-year-old son Theo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and we had the most difficult meeting imaginable with a consultant in York hospital to hear the words “’your child has cancer’.

“Almost immediately, my partner Claire was whisked off to Leeds General Infirmary with Theo for a same-day blood transfusion and a month of induction treatment.

“Since then we have been on a rollercoaster journey of multiple treatments, appointments and painful decisions, but all along the way we have been supported by many different charities, including York Against Cancer.

“Last year, YAC helped us to have a much-needed break from hospital and a fantastic holiday in their wonderful apartment in Whitby, which has always been a special place for us all to visit. We enjoyed a weekend of beach walks, fish & chips and ice cream.

“This welcome break came just before we got the next piece of devastating news that, unfortunately, Theo had relapsed and needed a stem-cell transplant, which brings us to the present day.

“By way of repaying the amazing retreat in Whitby I applied to run the York 10km race this year. The race took place on 4th August and I raised £225.

“We can’t thank York Against Cancer enough for the help and support they have offered to us during this difficult time.”

Julie Russell, our general manager, said she was moved by Dave’s story and delighted to hear that we had helped his family when they needed a holiday from hospital.

“We’re really happy to have helped and we send Theo all our very best wishes for the future,” she said.