Henry Stiller is now in remission (Image: Cover Images)
A couple rushed their young son to hospital with an infected cut on his finger, only to receive the devastating news hours later that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Alice and Matt Stiller, from Canterbury, Kent, had brought their three-year-old son, Henry, to the QEQM hospital in Margate after the wound had become infected.
Yet later that same evening, the toddler received a heartbreaking diagnosis. Alice said: “We took him in and they looked at him and said: ‘He looks really pale. We need to take some bloods.’
“Then they came back and said: ‘Your son’s got leukaemia.’ It was definitely not news I ever thought I’d have to hear. I honestly couldn’t breathe.
“I literally collapsed on the floor, I think. It was a bit of a blur.”
The doctors also asked Matt if he wished to take a seat. Alice recalled: “He said no. But you could see he was very shaken and probably should have sat down.”
Henry Stiller as a baby with his parents Alice and Matt (Image: Cover Images)
The family endured that harrowing day on March 18 this year. Yet following months of treatment, including chemotherapy at the renowned Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Henry has already achieved remission, with doctors now reporting a positive prognosis.
Henry is the only child of Alice, 36, who works for a student letting company, and mechanic Matt, 32. Alice’s friend Lucy Elias established a fundraising page, which has already raised in excess of £3,000 to help ease the financial strain on the family.
“Whilst the hospitals so far have been wonderful, there are plenty of costs that are already beginning to add up, such as travel and food,” Ms Elias wrote.
Henry Stiller in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer (Image: Cover Images)
Meanwhile, in Deal, where Matt grew up, The Eagle Tavern has collected £3,500 through the dedication of staff, patrons and local organisations. Landlady Louisa Phoenix contributed £2,000 by having her head shaved by local hairdresser, The Cutting Room.
The fundraising initiative at the Queen Street pub spanned six weeks, reaching its peak with a major fundraising event on Saturday, June 27.
Alice said: “It’s incredible, especially because it’s from people we don’t know. The number of people at the pub who were spending so much money, even though we’d never met them before, was amazing. It’s incredible how everybody rallies together for kids who need it, or even adults who need it.”
Contributions and competition prizes also arrived from organisations such as Deal Town FC.
A message on the pub’s Facebook page said: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single person who came along, played a game, bought a raffle ticket, enjoyed a burger, donated some spare change or simply helped spread the word.
“Thanks to everyone else who donated prizes, lent equipment, offered support or helped behind the scenes to make the day so special. Most importantly, thank you for showing Henry and his family just how incredible this community really is.”
Henry Stiller with Louisa Phoenix, landlady of the Eagle Tavern in Deal, who had her hair cut short as a fundraiser for him (Image: Cover Images)
Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. Key warning signs to be aware of include unexplained bruising or bleeding, persistent exhaustion, recurring infections, and pallid skin.
You can help support the family via their page.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
