Harry Graham was just seven years old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Yet his story doesn’t quite begin there. In fact, Harry’s experience clearly shows why an early diagnosis would have made the world of difference to his young life.
It took two years of extreme tiredness before Harry’s GP ruled out leukaemia. A tremor in his handwriting was not linked to his tiredness and Harry was misdiagnosed with dyspraxia. It was only when Harry’s hand presented at right angles to his body did his GP refer him to hospital – and by then he was vomiting every ten minutes. Hospital staff knew what was wrong with Harry even before his CT scan; he had a brain tumour.
Harry was lucky. He responded well to treatment, and after three brain operations and a whole year of chemotherapy, he has made a remarkable recovery despite having had to wait so long for an accurate diagnosis. Many more brain tumour patients are not so fortunate, which is why Harry and his family are supporting Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust’s campaign for early diagnosis, HeadSmart.
Seven years on, he’s fanatical about sport like any other teenage boy his age. Rugby, cricket, biking and watersports are his favourite pastimes, and although he lost his hearing in one ear as a result of his illness, Harry determinedly enjoys getting the most out of life. And yet as we often find with brain tumour patients, his illness may be in remission, but his fight continues. He’s already gone through so much, and yet is young enough to know that there’s time for him to give something back. Harry is a great inspiration to us here at SDBTT; please join us in giving all brain tumour patients the best chance possible with an early diagnosis by making a donation.
Thank you.
