Boy Who Beat Blood Cancer Reaches Secondary School Milestone

Eleven-year-old Seb from Tring, Hertfordshire, is celebrating a milestone many families take for granted: starting secondary school. For this family, it means the world because five years ago, doctors discovered an 11cm tumor in Seb's chest and diagnosed him with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare blood cancer.

The diagnosis came in 2019 after Seb suffered repeated infections, extreme tiredness, and weight loss. Doctors at Stoke Mandeville Hospital found the mass and Seb's mum Claire Boulter said their "world was turned upside down."

Seb started chemotherapy just six days after his diagnosis, on his fourth birthday. He spent that birthday in hospital, managing to eat some chocolate cake before being hooked up to the chemo drip.

Over three years of treatment, Seb endured 2,000 medical procedures and 10 blood transfusions. He managed just one hour in his school uniform on his first day before returning to hospital for chemotherapy.

The family couldn't go on holiday for three years because any infection could be life-threatening. Seb coped with hair loss, depression, and constant sickness during his treatment.

In June 2022, Seb was finally given the all-clear. The rare blood cancer affects only about 400 children in the UK each year, according to Blood Cancer UK.

Sunny's Take

Since beating cancer, Seb has built strong friendships, impressed teachers academically, and discovered a love for football. He needed physiotherapy to physically recover from the treatment's toll on his body, but he's thriving now.

The family has made up for lost time with trips to Legoland and Disneyland Paris. These are the ordinary joys that felt impossible during treatment.

Matthew White from Blood Cancer UK says stories like Seb's showcase "the amazing resilience of those who adapt to these moments or celebrate once they have come through treatment." He credits researchers who are helping children recover from cancer and live better quality lives.

Claire, who works as head of education at a disability charity, said she's incredibly proud of everything Seb has achieved in "the most difficult of circumstances." Seeing her son walk through the gates of secondary school with his peers is an ordinary moment that feels absolutely extraordinary.