Henry Stiller, 3, was diagnosed after doctors noticed he was pale
A couple took their young son to hospital with an infected cut on his finger – only to be given life-changing news by doctors.
Alice and Matt Stiller, from Canterbury, Kent, had brought their three-year-old son, Henry, to the QEQM hospital in Margate to have the wound examined by doctors. But later that same evening, the toddler received the 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 wanted to have a seat. Alice recalled: “He said no. But you could see he was very shaken and probably should have sat down.”
The family endured that dreadful day on March 18 this year. However, following months of treatment, including chemotherapy at the specialist Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Henry is already in remission, with doctors 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 launched a fundraising page, which has already raised more than £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.
Meanwhile, in Deal, where Matt grew up, The Eagle Tavern has raised £3,500 through the combined efforts of staff, customers and local organisations. Landlady Louisa Phoenix raised £2,000 by having her head shaved by local hairdresser, The Cutting Room. The campaign at the Queen Street pub ran for six weeks, culminating in a major fundraising day 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.”
Donations and competition prizes also came from organisations such as Deal Town FC.
A post on the pub’s Facebook page read: “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.”
Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer which starts in the bone marrow. The most frequent symptoms to watch for include unexplained bruising or bleeding, ongoing tiredness, regular infections, and pallid skin.
You can help support the family via their page.
