On 24th December 2019 our amazing son Niall was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at just age 6. Our world fell apart.

Niall hadn‘t been himself since going back to school in September. He was constantly being given antibiotics for a massive tonsil but it made no difference. He had started snoring and was constantly tired and was out of school more than he was in school.

I took him to the GP, A&E and even the children’s ward at QEH numerous times but we just kept being given yet more antibiotics and sent on our way. Eventually we saw an ENT doctor who said he needed a sleep study and allergy testing but most likely would need his tonsils removed at some point but there was no hurry.

Finally on 23rd December we received a letter saying we could call Addenbrookes to arrange an appointment with an ENT surgeon. I rang and spoke to the secretary who arranged an appointment for us on the same day. This was the best thing that could possibly have happened. We saw Dr Jonas who agreed to remove his tonsils and adenoids the next day. By this point Niall was complaining about his throat being blocked and struggling to catch his breath.

On Christmas Eve after having the surgery we were given the terrible news. Niall then had his Hickman line fitted and started treatment on new years eve. Niall treatment was very aggressive so he was in hospital most of the time, either at Addenbrookes for treatment or Peterborough for being unwell. He coped better than we could of imagined and showed real courage and bravery.