A Plymouth family whose teenage son has a rare form of cancer have praised the efforts of a friend who has raised thousands of pounds for the charity which has been helping the family.
The family’s ordeal started in February when 13-year-old Zain developed a lump on his neck. His GP was convinced this was a fast growing branchial cyst, so he was referred to Derriford Hospital for a more detailed scan.
During the scans, the doctor requested further MRIs, chest X-rays and CT scans. The following day he was admitted to the High Dependency Unit at Derriford with multiple tissue masses discovered throughout his body, thought to be most likely a lymphatic cancer.
He was then rushed to Bristol Children’s Hospital and placed on immediate bed rest with the emergency spinal surgery team ready to operate at any moment to avoid paralysis from a tumour on his spinal cord. A further tumour caused the palsy of his vocal cord so he could not swallow or speak properly.
He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Sporadic Burkitt’s Lymphoma (bulky). Had he not been admitted, he’d have been just weeks from death. The tumour in his liver alone measured 14cm.
In the space of three days and no obvious symptoms, apart from a neck lump, some tiredness and occasional back ache, his family was facing a seriously progressed illness.
Zain’s stepfather Shaun Badmin said:
“This is how quickly Burkitt’s Lymphoma can develop and progress.
“Throughout the following weeks as Zain responded massively well to treatment, the charity Young Lives vs Cancer have been there for us every step of the way. Lin our support worker has been amazing.
“Our family is now split between Bristol and Plymouth until treatment is due to finish in August. We have been given free accommodation 10 minutes from the hospital, for as long as we need it.
“Young Lives vs Cancer have covered living expenses for us in Bristol and petrol for travelling from Plymouth every weekend. They have helped us negotiate the benefits we are entitled to, as well as a listening ear when we need it.
“Without the support from Young Lives vs Cancer we could not have coped financially, emotionally and physically with having a family split 120 miles apart and a seriously ill teenager.”
Matt Starling, one of Shaun’s work colleagues at Plymouth City Council, found out about Zain’s illness and the vital support of Young Lives vs Cancer and decided to raise money for the charity.
Matt, who lives in Torpoint, had signed up for the gruelling Pan Celtic Race in 2019, but due to COVID the event did not take place until July this year. The cycle race covered nearly 1,400 kilometres – almost 200 miles – between Cornwall and North Wales.
Matt, who is 46, said:
“I wanted to dedicate my efforts to a worthy cause and it was a chance conversation with Shaun that convinced me that Young Lives vs Cancer was the charity I wanted to support.
“I knew I would be pushing myself and facing some uncomfortable times, but this was nothing compared to the challenges that cancer creates when it strikes young people and the impact it has on their families.”
Matt started with a target of £1372 – a £1 for every kilometre he would cycle – and ended up raising an amazing total so far of nearly £3,300.
Matt said:
“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of everyone who has supported and donated to this brilliant cause. I hope all of our efforts will help make a difference.”
Shaun added:
“Our whole family are eternally grateful to Matt for being inspired by our story and raising money for this fabulous charity.”
To support Matt’s fundraising effort go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MattStarlingPanCelticRace2021
Every year Young Lives vs Cancer distributes thousands of pounds to hundreds of families to help them cope with the costs of cancer. For more information about the charity go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
