'Facing a cancer diagnosis as a child was horrific'

A teenager who had his shoulder removed due to cancer and was told he would never swim or ride a bike has won an award after "amazing" medics with his recovery.

Kaiden Lumb, 14, from Leeds has been given Cancer Research UK's Star Award for Children and Young People for his courageous attitude to his treatment.

Kaiden's mum, Siobhon Delaney, said his physiotherapy team couldn't believe how much sport he was now able to do - and in July this year he won an award for rowing.

She said: "He has amazed everyone in bouncing back. I couldn't be prouder of Kaiden. He has been through so much."

She added: "Facing a cancer diagnosis as a child was already horrific, but having to get through treatment during Covid was hard going."

Kaiden, from Old Farnley, was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in March 2020 after a painful tennis ball-sized lump appeared on his left shoulder blade.

Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that mostly affects people aged 10 to 20.

Kaiden went through chemotherapy during the Covid lockdowns.

Single mum Ms Delaney had to send his two siblings - Kian, 15, and Charlotte, nine - to live with her parents while she and Kaiden isolated during his treatment.

Kaiden was also diagnosed with ADHD and autism.

He had surgery to remove his left shoulder blade and the muscles and tissue attached to it and was told he would never regain full use of his shoulder.

He was given the all clear at the start of 2021 and in July he won a regional award for rowing.

The Cancer Research UK Star Award winners are nominated by their parents and need to have been treated for cancer in the past five years.

Cancer Research UK West Yorkshire spokesperson, Jane Bullock, said it had been a privilege to celebrate Kaiden's courage.

She said: "A cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking at any age, but it can be especially hard for youngsters. Kaiden is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age.

"Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment - and many may experience serious long-term side effects.

"That's why we're supporting dedicated research to find new and less toxic ways to beat this devastating disease."

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