A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy who has had cancer treatment for 772 days after being diagnosed with leukaemia finally got to ring the end of treatment bell on Monday.
On January 28 2022, Daniella Stuchberry and Liam Stuchberry from Haydock noticed a pinprick rash on their five-year-old son’s eyelid.
Concerned it could be something like meningitis, they decided to go to St Helens Walk in Centre. The incredible staff there knew something wasn’t right so sent him to Whiston for more tests.
The next day he was diagnosed with leukaemia and further tests and treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital which started the following morning, diagnosed the English Martyrs Primary pupil with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia which is one of the more common childhood cancers.
Charlie has undergone a lot of treatment, but thanks to the quick actions and diligence of his parents, the aware staff at St Helens Walk-In centre and his bravery, on Monday, March 11, Charlie rung the end of treatment bell at Alder Hey signifying an end to his gruelling treatment.
His proud mum Daniella said: “It was such an emotional day, no child should grow up before their time, and cancer does that.
“Charlie is more used to adults than children and that’s the sad truth of this, but on the other side he’s so close with the staff in the hospital that he’s actually really sad to leave them, he loves Alder Hey, because even though he felt sick there, they made him better.
“Charlie missed two years of childhood, he’s braver than most adults I know and we still have a long way to go, he’s got his port in still so he’s still susceptible to catching things but after that’s removed he just needs monitoring.
“We’ll have to learn to be a normal family again, our life has been all about Charlie and fighting his cancer.
“Childhood cancer is sad so no one wants to talk about it, all the adverts on TV are adult cancers, which deserve to be spoken about too obviously, but just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean we should ignore it.
“My son had cancer, it was awful, but awareness is so important because it can save lives.
“Seeing Charlie ring that bell was a bittersweet moment for us. He shouldn’t have to do that but we are just so proud and happy that he gets to be Charlie again, not Charlie who is fighting cancer, just Charlie, who is perfect exactly how he is.”
Daniella wanted to celebrate Charlie so put a post online asking for advice over where to hold a ‘Ringing the Bell party’. After contacting Haydock Conservative Club, the club offered the venue for free this Sunday.
Daniella added: “They have included children’s entertainers, bouncy castles, balloons and everything and that is really amazing.
“What you don’t realise until your child is sick is how incredible other people can be in helping your child. Not just the doctors and nurses who are amazing but even people in the community.
“I’d also like to thank Lewis Devine and his theatre company, like I said before Charlie is more used to adults but one of the few things we got to do that was ‘normal’ was take him to pantomimes and he said one day he wanted to be in one.
“We contacted Lewis and even though Charlie’s been sick he included him in the workshops and its been amazing for him, even with his illness and limitations, they made him feel normal.
“Charlie will celebrate this Sunday, but at some point this year he will also be taking part in a panto at St Helens Theatre Royal, that will be a big celebration too. I’m just so proud of him and so grateful for the kindness of others.”
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