16 year old Callum recently rang the end of treatment cancer bell surrounded by his loving family and teammates from his football team Heath Rangers Barca.
Callum was first diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in February 2023, after he found unusual lumps on his neck. Callum had also been feeling excessively lethargic and was experiencing night sweats in the coming weeks before his first GP appointment.
He was quickly referred to Alder Hey, where he was diagnosed and started on treatment. Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and lymph nodes.
Dr Kat Lindsay, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist, said: “This type of lymphoma is actually more similar to leukaemia than to other lymph node cancers, so leukaemia treatment protocols are used – they include a combination of different chemotherapy medications, designed to maximise the chances of remission while minimising side effects.”
The first six months of chemotherapy were difficult for Callum. He experienced loss of mobility, complete hair loss, had regular blood transfusions and had to have an antidote injected as he responded poorly to one round of treatment. Callum missed 80% of his final year of high school but returned in time for his GCSEs.
Callum who is also a big Liverpool FC fan would spend long periods on ward 3B at Alder Hey when he needed to be admitted, and during this time, he would say, ‘he just wants to go to school and play for his football team again.’
Teammates from his football team, Heath Rangers Barca, who play in the Warrington Premier League, set up a fundraising campaign called Kick Callum’s Cancer and even shaved their heads in support of Callum and his journey.
Thankfully, Callum’s treatment was effective. He returned to school to finish his GCSEs and then returned to football, where, on his return, he scored two goals and assisted. Incredibly, Callum scored the only goal to take his team to the finals, where they won the cup.
His teammates also joined his family and friends to celebrate the end of the treatment as Callum rang the end of treatment bell at Alder Hey in an emotional day. You can watch that amazing moment on our YouTube Channel.
Although Callum managed to make it back for his GCSEs, he was unhappy with his final results and decided to go back a year and attempt them again. He now has ambitions to continue with his football and ultimately embark on a career in medicine.
Callum’s mum and dad said: “Callum and our family have been extremely blessed with the support we have received through Callum’s treatment, not only from the expertise of Alder Hay and the team who he formed a strong bond with, a testament to their professional and caring approach, but also the support from his beloved football team, Heath Rangers Barca. His team have supported Callum from day one, setting up a Go Fund Me, group hikes, and even shaving their hair in front of the school as a show of unity. They would all attend the games sporting tops with Callum’s face on and send messages of encouragement and support. I genuinely believe that their support has given Callum that motivation to stay positive and, knowing he will be back doing what he loves doing soon.”
Dr Kat Lindsay said: “On behalf of the team on 3B, it was a privilege to treat and care for Callum and help him get back to doing the things he loves.”
Callum said: “Thank you to everyone who supported me and got me to where I am today. The bell ringing was emotional but an amazing day surrounded by all the people who made me stay strong.”