15/11/2022
2 years into our partnership with Sheffield United, we’ve loved supporting The Blades who are watching from the sidelines or on TV week-in, week-out with a Randox act of kindness.
Harrison’s Story.
That’s why we were delighted to help Harrison, a young Sheffield United fan have an 18th birthday party to remember. Harrison’s story is nothing short of incredible. In April 2019, he was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) affecting one in 200 UK men in their lifetime. He was quickly diagnosed once his mother had noticed symptoms including sudden bruising on his leg and extreme fatigued and took him to get it checked.
In the weeks before his diagnosis, Harrison had to give up many of his favourite hobbies such as playing right back for Aston Swallownest Blues under 15s football team. Harrison was fortunate to receive a bone marrow transplant from an anonymous donor in August to prevent leukaemia cells from reappearing and successfully grow Harrison a new immune system.
The cancer re-appeared 9 months later in October 2020. Once more with overwhelming support, Harrison was able to receive a second transplant from a baby’s umbilical cord. This made up 98% of his Immune system with 2% coming from the anonymous source the year before. Harrison had finally successfully kicked cancer and is on his road to recovery.
We were touched hearing Harrison’s story and with his 18th birthday approaching in September, we thought we’d do something special.
The Surprise.
Randox Health donated a match-day hospitality box at Bramall Lane to Harrison so that he can celebrate with his family and friends before watching the Bladesmen in action from the viewing balcony.
Harrison also received a home kit signed by the Sheffield United first team and manager to remember the experience.
Harrison’s mum Nickie, kindly contacted us after a birthday to remember:
“Harrison has asked me to pass on his thanks and says it meant a lot to him to share the experience with his friends to celebrate his 18th birthday. The lads all really enjoyed the evening and it was just a shame about the score.
Harrison was able to create memories with his friends, something that has been seriously lacking during previous years, due to his cancer treatment.”