Gedney Hill parents raising awareness of leukaemia after their 3-year-old son has been diagnosed

A couple from Gedney Hill want to raise awareness of the blood cancer leukaemia, after their little boy was diagnosed with the condition.

Three-year-old Michael first became poorly in November and was diagnosed as having a chest infection.

But a month later, following further tests at Boston Pilgrim Hospital, his parents Lisa Bell (28) and James Lidgey-Hutt (35) were told he had anaemia.

He began treatment; then in January, Michael became more and more tired and after he was unable to drink anything he was rushed into hospital.

“Two weeks before his leukaemia diagnosis, he was sent home from nursery because he was really tired and feeling miserable,” Lisa explained.

“We thought it was all a bit much for him with his anaemia and with him being at nursery five days a week. This was going on for two weeks and we ended up going to Peterborough City Hospital.

“There, we were told he had either sepsis or cancer. We did not sleep or eat. We were just focused on Michael.

“He was kept in overnight and given a blood tranfusion because of his blood platelet and haemoglobin levels. The next day he was blue lighted to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.

“We would never have thought leukaemia. You think of leukaemia and you think of bruising.”

The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group charity lists other possible symptoms on its website at: www.cclg.org.uk

“The doctors said he perhaps did not have cancer at the time of his chest infection. It reared its ugly head in January,” Lisa added.

“We just want to get out there the awareness of leukaemia. I said, there is something wrong with Michael. I never thought it was cancer.”

Michael spent nine days in Addenbrookes receiving treatment, including a second blood transfusion. He has chemotherapy twice a week there but only one parent can attend at a time due to coronavirus restrictions.

Lisa’s brother-in-law James Batsom is raising money to help fund travel costs for his treatment and other things that Michael needs.

Paula Somers, manager of Giggles Galore, Michael’s nursery in Holbeach Drove, will be shaving her head to help and also to show solidarity with Michael. She has a fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michaelthewarrior

Paula said: “We are missing him dreadfully. The children are asking where he is and we can’t wait to have him back.”