Step By Step: Supporting My Sons Fight Against Cancer

Hello, my name is Jackie, and I’m reaching out for help during one of the most challenging times in my life. My son, Craig, was diagnosed in January 2024 with stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, which is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This came after finding a small lump in his neck a few weeks before Christmas 2023, further scans discovered more tumours in his neck, chest and lower spine.

In January 2024, Craig started a 6 month chemotherapy treatment plan. This was physically and mentally demanding, and what comes with chemotherapy treatment is tiredness and a low immune system which meant he was unable to work away from Doncaster as a self employed electrician. This has had a significant impact on Craig's savings and finances.

As you all know, Craig lives for his son, Cam, and as you can imagine this has had a big impact on their quality times together and plans they had made for 2024.

In July 2024, after competing the 6 months of chemotherapy, a scan discovered that the cancer had returned to his chest, meaning that he would have to undergo a more intense chemotherapy followed by stem cell treatment. This news devastated us as a family and also meant that Craig would now need more time off work to complete more treatment.

This second chemo has been a lot more demanding on Craig's low immune system, where he's had to fight other infections as well as contracting Covid just before stem cell treatment. This is the stage we are at now and the part Craig is most anxious about, not only will it bring him down to his lowest point in terms of his immune system. But it also means at least 6 weeks in hospital away from family, friends and most importantly his son and girlfriend so close to Christmas.

Since January 2024, due to Craig being self employed he has been unable to work to provide an income for himself or receive sick pay and its looks like Craig will be unable to return to full time work until around spring 2025.

Craig however is lucky to have a close and strong friendship group that have already supported him financially and we as a family can never thank them enough.

Thank you x

As Craig starts the final part of his treatment, which will be the hardest part for us all but especially Craig as he will be away from family, his girlfriend Michaela and his son Camden. As you can imagine as his mother, I feel helpless and want to do something positive while Craig is going through his hardest fight yet.

During this time to spur Craig on and keep me going, I've decided to make a point of walking a mile every day and would really like to try and raise some funds whist doing this for Craig to ease the financial pressures during this next challenging road as well as show him how many people are behind him and care. Every donation, big or small, will make a big difference in helping him through this challenging time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this. If you have donated, please know that it means the world. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page will greatly assist us as well. If we’re lucky enough to reach the target. I will keep increasing it. Thanks again x

Love to you all, and Craig, keep fighting, we are all behind you!