This Morning presenter Gyles Brandreth has shared the deeply emotional story of his grandson's childhood cancer diagnosis and subsequent recovery, becoming tearful as he discussed the "tragic" death of a loved one during a recent television appearance.
The Shocking Diagnosis
Brandreth's grandson, Kitt, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in April 2017 when he was just 15 months old. This rare soft tissue cancer came as a profound shock to the entire family, completely upending their lives and forcing them to confront every parent's worst nightmare.
Intensive Treatment at Great Ormond Street
Kitt underwent extensive chemotherapy treatment at London's world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), requiring multiple blood transfusions throughout his care. The treatment journey proved even more challenging when Kitt developed a serious bacterial infection and veno-occlusive disease, a life-threatening condition affecting the liver that complicated his recovery.
Brandreth's Role as "Grandpa"
During this difficult period, Brandreth embraced his role as "Grandpa," focusing on providing moments of normality and comfort through play and engaging activities at the hospital. He emphasised how crucial this emotional support was for both Kitt and the entire family during the gruelling treatment process.
Praise for Medical Excellence
Brandreth spoke glowingly about GOSH's world-class reputation and the dedicated medical team who cared for his grandson. He highlighted the importance of complete trust in their expertise and the emotional journey families experience when relying on specialist paediatric care.
Eight Years in Remission
Now aged 10, Kitt has been in remission for eight years, representing a remarkable recovery story. He continues to attend yearly check-ups at GOSH to monitor his health, with the family maintaining their connection to the hospital that saved his life.
Supporting GOSH Charity's Vital Appeal
Brandreth has now become a vocal supporter of GOSH Charity's current appeal to fund a new Children's Cancer Centre. His family's personal experience has motivated him to help other families facing similar childhood cancer diagnoses, advocating for improved facilities and research.
The television presenter's emotional account serves as both a testament to medical advancement in paediatric oncology and a reminder of the human stories behind childhood cancer statistics. His advocacy work continues to raise awareness about rare childhood cancers and the vital role specialist hospitals like GOSH play in treatment and recovery.
