Support Edward through & after his journey.

Hi Everyone,

I am fundraising for my Son, Edward.

He is my youngest of 3 boys.

He is a Student @Bournemouth University, studying Animation & art design.

My Husband&I were on route to bring him home for Christmas on 17th December, having stopped at the services we rang to check that he had done his LFT, due to myself being extremely clinically vulnerable and our Grandson due within the next few weeks, it was imperative that Edward was negative.

So, when he told us he was positive, we were absolutely gutted. He did another 2 tests to be sure. Sadly we turned around and came home. Fortunately, he wasn't too unwell, but just wanted to be home. His girlfriend and housemate, were there until Christmas Eve. His girlfriend's parents very kindly did a food shop, so that was one less worry. Then he was solely alone. Our Christmas was the best it could be via facetime. I was distraught, first Christmas without our boy. Eventually, on the 10th day he tested negative, so 27th Dec we bought him home.

He was tired and a bit run down.

We changed GP surgery so we were all due to see the Nurse on 7th January. On the Wednesday 6th, Ed, asked if he could see the GP due to a slight chesty cough, with a pain from the front chest through to the back, that had got worse. He has a high pain threshold and never complains about anything. My Husband took him and waited. After the appointment Ed saw his Dad and was totally shocked to have the GP say he had to attend the SDEC (same day emergency care) due to a suspected blood clot post covid! So, after blood tests/x-rays/CT scans/examinations and an overnight stay (they allowed me to stay too) we were told they had found a mass. From there we saw a lung&heart specialist the following morning, after further tests.

So, we were then told they would have to do a biopsy from the mass and a PET scan. The tumour was 7.1cm length, axal dimensions 13.9'8.8cm. Everything moved quickly and the care was amazing, due to Ed's age he would receive support from Young Lives versus Cancer. (ages 13-24)

Monday 17th January it was confirmed Edward had cancer. We were all absolutely devastated. He was then transferred to UCLH (University College London Hospital) Macmillan Centre.

His full diagnosis is Primary mediastinal large B-cell Lymphoma. It is treatable and curable. The tumour has double in size since the PET scan.

He now has a treatment plan for chemotherapy (2nd round due tomorrow 21/2) and will also need radiotherapy. He currently has many tablets to take 3 times aday, self injects twice aday, the side effects vary as well as intensity.

Life has been pulled from under his feet. Not being able to attend Uni, moving back home, but still having to pay rent&utilities for the next 5 months. (the estate agents have been totally uncooperative) having to cancel planned concerts, football matches etc

We celebrated Edward's 21st birthday on 1st February just as a family, but when possible we will have an amazing, super double celebration party for him ❤️

Thankfully he has the love&support of his girlfriend Phoebe & her family, his brothers Robert&Sebastian and Karlina, Monika, his niece Ariya, nephew Oscar and true friends that keep his spirits raised.

So, to support him I am doing, "Brave The Shave" on Saturday 5th March!! If he can go through all his treatment and lifestyle changes, I can do this. So, please support us and donate whatever you can do. Many thanks in advance. Ed's best buddy George is doing it too. We will update with before, during & after photos.........watch this space!!

The funds raised are intended for Edward to help support him financially throughout and hopefully achieve something special from his bucket list, while donating 20% of the total to Young lives versus cancer. All details will be updated.

Edward is a very private person, but with his blessing, he has supported me doing this.

He truly is a trojan and just gets on with things, no complaints, he never ceases to amaze us all.

You are so loved Edward, you will achieve your dreams darling when the time is right.

We love you to infinity XxxxX