Teen celebrates birthday after beating cancer

A teenager who overcame a rare form of cancer has celebrated a birthday he feared he would never reach.

Harley, from Shoeburyness, Essex, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was eight years old and spent the next two years undergoing gruelling treatment.

After his recovery, the youngster's mother, Rachael, said she was "so happy and grateful" he could mark his 14th birthday at home.

"Harley has shown so much strength, I'm immensely proud of him," she added.

Rachael took Harley to hospital after he suddenly became lethargic and saw his temperature spike in spring 2018.

He was then transferred on blue lights to Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, where his leukaemia diagnosis was confirmed.

Harley spent the next two years being treated, receiving chemotherapy, steroids and monthly lumbar punctures.

Following a bone marrow transplant in 2020, he recovered and went on to be in remission, returning to school in September.

"Harley starting Year 9 has been a stark expression of how much Harley has overcome," Rachael said.

"Despite all his health challenges, each obstacle thrown at him, he has always maintained the best attitude.

"Those that don't know would never imagine what he has been through."

Rachael said she would be forever grateful for the treatment Harley received at Great Ormond Street.

She added: "I'm so happy and grateful for him to be living his life in the same way every child of his age does.

"We are so excited to celebrate another milestone, his 14th birthday, together at home as a family."

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