'Hearing son is cancer free best feeling in world'

Little Eagles FC Headshot of Harrison who is looking at camera. He has blonde hair and is wearing a green top. The baclground is blue Little Eagles FC
Harrison plays for Eastwood Hanley Little Eagles, whose coach started a fundraising page

Hearing his son was cancer free was "the best feeling in the world," his dad said.

Steve's eight-year-old son Harrison, who plays for Stoke-on-Trent's Eastwood Hanley Little Eagles, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia earlier this year.

Steve told BBC Radio Stoke the diagnosis felt like his world had ended. But a fundraiser led by football coach Damian Sasiak raised more than £7,000, giving the family "security" during weeks of treatment in Birmingham.

Steve added Harrison's treatment was going well with recent tests finding him "cancer free" but that there was still some way to go.

A man with a white t-shirt shaking hands with a man in a blue football top. Both are looking at the camera and behind them is BBC Radio Stoke signs on a purple background.
Harrison's father Steve (left) said football coach Damien had a heart of gold

"It's the best feeling in the world," said Steve of the news. "But obviously there is still 18 months treatment to go so there's a bit of trepidation in there with it."

He added they welcomed any positive news after the dark times, which support from the community had made easier to go through.

Harrison's dad has praised the community for its support.

"We couldn't believe that anyone would want to help, you don't expect it," Steve said.

"To see that much love in the community and especially from Damien we were astounded."

Mr Sasiak, who set up a GoFundMe page, said they raised more than expected and he thanked everyone who contributed, including friends, families and grassroots football fan pages around the country.

Steve said the coach was an "absolute legend" with a heart of gold.

"Alongside Harrison, he's my hero," he said.

Family photo Harrison looking at the camera and smiling. He is wearing a red and white stipe Stoke City football shirt on top of a black t-shirt with a pink collar. Behind him are curtains and window decorations. Family photo
Football fan Harrison is undergoing treatment for leukaemia

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