Riley’s Story

Our journey began during what should have been a happy family holiday. Riley became unwell — we thought it might be food, the heat, or just a bug. But once we got home, I knew something wasn’t right. I trusted my instinct and took him to hospital.

That’s when everything changed.

Doctors told me Riley was a very poorly boy, but gave no further details at first. Later, in a quiet room, I was told the words no parent should ever hear — Riley had a rare form of blood cancer. My world shattered in that moment.

Riley was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and taken straight into intensive care. Seeing my little boy hooked up to machines, covered in tubes, broke my heart. But Riley was strong — he fought through and moved to Waterfall House to begin his treatment.

What followed were the hardest months of our lives. Long nights of pain, blisters, exhaustion, and tears. Yet through it all, Riley smiled. He showed courage, humour, and a spirit that amazed everyone who met him.

Months later, Riley caught an infection. He was taken back to intensive care. The scene was heartbreakingly familiar — but this time, Riley didn’t pull through. He passed away, cancer-free, in the early hours of November 27th, 2023.

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Why #LifeOfRiley Exists

Throughout Riley’s illness, we were fortunate. Family and friends rallied around us — cooking meals, raising funds, helping us keep the lights on and a roof over our heads while I stopped working to care for him.

But not every family is so lucky.

On the ward, we saw children enduring the same pain Riley did, sometimes alone. The days are long in hospital.

That’s why we started #LifeOfRiley.

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What We aim to do

provide practical support to families of children with life-threatening illnesses by:

Offering grants to help parents and carers stay by their child’s side

Creating moments of joy and distraction during painful treatments

Supporting children and families when they need it most

Every child deserves comfort. Every parent deserves the chance to be there.

Help us make sure they don’t face it alone.