Fraser Wood, 7, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma and had to undergo months of intensive treatment, including more than 30 blood transfusions and chemotherapy
A brave Scots schoolboy who underwent over 30 blood transfusions and chemotherapy in his fight against cancer, that saw him unable to play with other children because of how sick he was, has been selected as the face of a new campaign. Fraser Wood, aged 7, fell ill during summer 2022.
Displaying worrying symptoms like paleness and lethargy, he lacked the energy to play. In a critical situation, Fraser was airlifted from his Aberdeen home to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow after developing severe breathing issues.
Fraser’s parents Louise Pope, aged 30, and Jensen Wood, aged 31, were heartbroken when x-rays revealed fluid accumulation around his heart and lungs, due to a tumour compressing chest blood vessels. Despite the gruelling battle with blood cancer and lengthy treatment, the young boy is now in remission.
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For his unwavering spirit, Fraser has been honoured with the Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People Star Award. His picture is set to feature in posters across roughly 500 charity shops throughout Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales this spring.
Louise expressed her joy: “His hair has grown back and his energy has returned. It’s wonderful to watch him getting his strength back and to know that he’s come such a long way. We’re excited to see Fraser’s poster. Knowing Fraser’s story could make a difference to other children like him means so much to us, so we hope people will show their support.”, reports the Daily Record.
Young Fraser faced a harrowing battle with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which led to months of gruelling treatment. The chemotherapy caused him to lose his hair and infections made it difficult for him to walk, preventing him from playing with other children while he was far from home.
Separated from his four-year-old sister Freya, who stayed with relatives in Aberdeen, Fraser endured over 30 blood transfusions and numerous medical procedures during his treatment.
He even spent his fifth birthday in the hospital, unwrapping presents while undergoing chemotherapy, yet his mum described him as “resilient.”
On December 9 last year, after 28 months of chemotherapy, Fraser joyfully rang the bell at Aberdeen Children’s Hospital to signify the end of his treatment. Now in remission, he has returned to Tullos Primary School full-time, having missed the start of school due to his illness.
A heart-warming photo captures Fraser proudly holding his award, an image set to be featured in posters across around 500 charity shops throughout Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales this spring. His mother, Louise, remarked: “Fraser is like a completely different child now.”
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, commented on the impact of cancer, saying: “A cancer diagnosis is heart breaking at any age but it can be particularly devastating for youngsters.”
“We’re honoured that Fraser is featuring in our campaign to help drive nominations for more inspirational children like him, so we can put them in the spotlight where they belong.”
