Harrison is a bubbly and energetic five year old. As a toddler, Harrison never sat still, he kept us on our toes and loved to stay busy playing football and visiting our local beach or park. Before Christmas we noticed he was lacking energy and not quite himself. By his fifth birthday in February, we knew something wasn’t right. He seemed to have a viral infection for weeks which he just couldn’t shake. He was pale, off his food and just wasn’t the same bubbly and energetic kid. He began to complain of a sore ear, neck and lower back and had other small symptoms. We took him to our local GP several times and to the emergency department in Temple Street. At the start of March he was diagnosed with Bells Palsy. He had a palsy on the right side of his face. Unfortunately the palsy didn’t subside with medication and we returned to our GP. They suggested another visit to Temple Street. This time things seemed extremely different. They immediately took a CT scan and an MRI of Harrison’s head and chest. We were sent to Crumlin where they then took a biopsy from his right ear. On the 22nd of March 2024, we got the news no parent ever wants to hear. Harrison was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer in his right ear and temporal bone. The palsy was caused by the tumour and pressure on his facial nerve. We were completely devastated and in an instant our lives were turned upside down.
Within a few days, Harrison had his central line fitted and started chemotherapy. We were also informed that we would have to travel to Manchester for six weeks for Proton Beam Therapy.
This is when we got in touch with John from The Gavin Glynn Foundation. John put our minds at ease instantly. He organised, booked and paid for our flights and accommodation for our planning visit and also for the six weeks stay in Manchester. The day we were due to travel from Dublin to Manchester, our flight was cancelled. John and the Aer Lingus staff helped us arrange new flights to Birmingham and a taxi to our accommodation.
Unfortunately Harrison had a few setbacks at the start of his proton beam therapy treatment. He needed an emergency tracheotomy and an extended stay in Manchesters Children’s Hospital. John was at the end of the phone to help and support us in any way he could.
Harrison is doing well now. He has being such a little trouper throughout his treatment here in Manchester and is almost halfway through Proton Beam Therapy.
As a family, we will be forever grateful for the incredible support Jayne and John have shown us. They have relieved any pressure and financial stress that a trip like this could bring, allowing us to focus on Harrison’s treatment and recovery. Their kindness will always be remembered and we cannot thank them enough.
Emily, Dave and Harrison
