A family from Greater Manchester has been plunged into unimaginable grief after their 16-year-old son died within hours of being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia.
Harley Andrews, a keen footballer and rugby player from Leigh, had visited his GP just weeks before his death complaining of feeling unwell, but was reportedly told it was likely a viral infection or 'growing pains'.
A Rapid and Tragic Decline
The first serious sign of trouble emerged last weekend when Harley noticed blood in his urine. His concerned father, Kevin Edwards, and stepmother immediately took him to Royal Bolton Hospital on Saturday.
There, doctors delivered the devastating news that the teenager was suffering from stage four leukaemia. The cancer had already caused catastrophic internal bleeding within his brain and several organs.
Tragically, just hours after this shocking diagnosis, in the early hours of Sunday morning, Harley succumbed to his illness. His family had no time to process the diagnosis before facing his sudden loss.
Remembering a 'Bright, Kind, and Loving Young Soul'
Close family friend and neighbour Kaylee Jackson, who grew up with Harley's mother Gemma, has launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and ease the family's financial burden during this devastating time.
The fundraiser has already raised over £6,600 in memory of Harley, who was described as a 'bright, kind, and loving young soul' who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Kaylee, who was also Harley's teaching assistant at Newton Westpark Primary School, remembered him as an 'all-round good kid' who doted on his five brothers and four sisters.
'He was all about family, always with his brothers and sisters and friends,' she told the Daily Mail. 'Harley used to love playing football in the street with the kids and giving them piggybacks.'
She added that Harley was 'just one of those kids that everyone got along with' and that 'it's a real shame because he was just starting off in life.'
A Community in Mourning
Harley was the second eldest son of Gemma, who has six other children, and her former partner Kevin Edwards. A former pupil of Westleigh School, he had recently enrolled at Wigan and Leigh College to further his studies.
He was an active sportsman, playing for Leigh Town and Astley & Tyldesley FC, as well as Leigh East Rugby Club.
Kaylee Jackson reflected on the profound shock felt by the close-knit community, stating: 'I think everyone in our little area woke up on Monday morning with a heavy heart.'
She emphasised the suddenness of the tragedy, noting that Harley's mother, Gemma, 'hadn't even processed he had leukaemia before she was told he had passed away.'
According to medical statistics, more than 650 children and young adults are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK every year, highlighting the ongoing battle against this devastating disease.
