Young footballer starts chemotherapy just three weeks after seeing GP
27.02.2023 - 17:25
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
An 'exceptional' young footballer has started having chemotherapy treatment for an aggressive cancer just three weeks after first seeing a GP.
Callum Lane saw his doctor after his younger brother spotted some lumps on his neck, the Liverpool Echo reports. Since his GP appointment three weeks ago, things 'moved really quickly' as the 14-year-old was diagnosed with an aggressive form of T-cell lymphoma - a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes.
Callum, from Runcorn, has completed his first course of treatment at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and now faces another three-and-a-half years of treatment. Andy, Callum’s dad, said the family has 'done all the crying now' and although their focus is now on the treatment, he was keen to urge anyone else to act fast and make sure to have lumps checked out.
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He said: "He’s had his first round of chemo, it’s about taking each day as it comes now. Three weeks (ago) we took him to the GP because his brother shouted me to say he had lumps on his neck.
"Callum already knew but decided not to tell anybody not knowing if it’s something or nothing. We took him to the GP three weeks ago - Alder Hey have moved really quickly.
"It’s felt an eternity but three weeks and he’s had his first lot of treatment and it’s amazing."
Despite the difficult news, the world of grassroots football has rallied to Callum's cause, and Andy, 37, said the 'amazing' outpouring of support including from both of Callum’s clubs Heath Rangers Barca and Weston Point Phoenix 'reduces you to tears'.
As well as messages from well-wishers far and wide, a fundraiser launched by Heath Rangers coach Gav Hanson, 44, to help