Alexander's battle with T cell lymphoma

This is Alexander, a remarkable young man I know together with his mum Maya. He is 16 years old.

Alexander's older brother committed suicide in March 2021.

His father died from medical complications in May 2022.

In October of 2023 Alexander was diagnosed with T-cell skin lymphoma; a malignant, aggressive cancer that’s extremely rare in young people.

T cell skin lymphoma initially manifests as fast-spreading wounds and lesions. The sores are incredibly painful, difficult to properly protect and definitely not the sort of thing a lad of 16 should be contending with.

From initial diagnosis things happened fast; over the course of only a few weeks his body became covered with unsightly sores which were as much a psychological torment as they were a physical one.

The sad state of the NHS meant Alex wasn't initially seen by an oncologist for several weeks.

Eventual diagnosis still didn’t get young Alex admitted to hospital. He took 3-hour round-trip journeys 3x a week to a variety of hospitals in central London to be assessed.

Trips that took an even greater toll on his ever weakening body.

Only his mother's insistence finally got him admitted to University College Hospital Cancer Institute (London) in early November where he still is today.

A subsequent biopsy revealed that the cancer has now spread to his lymph nodes. He is bandaged from neck to ankle protecting his raw, excruciatingly painful skin.

A nasogastric tube gives him what little nutrition his system can accept and he's exhausted and in agony from the disease and chemotherapy.

The long term prognosis is still far from clear as he continues treatment and awaits a bone marrow transplant.

His Mum Maya has been by his side throughout; she's in essence given up her life at present for his. He's all she has left of her family.

Can you help?

Alexander is a determined, spirited and charming young man whose wit and humour haven't abandoned him even at this most trying of times.

He's a great guy with hopes and dreams just like all of us had at 16 and thankfully he's dedicated to getting through this "setback" as he calls it to get on with living a full enriching life and fulfilling his aspirations. He eventually wants to join the Armed Forces.

Whatever you may be able to donate, however little, would be a massive help to Maya as she supports her beautiful son's care and committed recovery.

Please share this with anyone you know. If you can.

Funds raised will help Maya pay rent, heat her home, eat, travel to and from hospital as her savings have evaporated.

It will also mean being able to provide the palliative care and support that will help Alex be able to live as independently as possible when we hope this time comes.

Thanks for taking the time to read about Alex. A brave, young soldier already fighting a battle we all hope we or our loved ones will never have to face.