A couple from Canterbury, Kent, took their three-year-old son to hospital for an infected cut on his finger, only to receive a life-changing diagnosis. Henry Stiller was diagnosed with leukaemia after doctors noticed he looked pale during a visit to QEQM hospital in Margate on March 18 this year.
Unexpected Diagnosis
Alice Stiller, 36, who works for a student letting company, and her husband Matt, 32, a mechanic, brought Henry to the emergency department to have the wound examined. Alice recalled: "We took him in and they looked at him and said: 'He looks really pale. We need to take some bloods.' Then they came back and said: 'Your son's got leukaemia.' It was definitely not news I ever thought I'd have to hear. I honestly couldn't breathe."
She added: "I literally collapsed on the floor, I think. It was a bit of a blur." Matt was offered a seat but declined. Alice said: "He said no. But you could see he was very shaken and probably should have sat down."
Treatment and Remission
Following months of treatment, including chemotherapy at the specialist Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Henry is already in remission, with doctors reporting a positive prognosis. The family has faced significant financial strain due to travel and food costs associated with the treatment.
Community Fundraising
Alice's friend Lucy Elias launched a fundraising page that has raised more than £3,000 to help ease the financial burden. Meanwhile, in Deal, where Matt grew up, The Eagle Tavern raised £3,500 through the combined efforts of staff, customers, and local organisations. Landlady Louisa Phoenix raised £2,000 by having her head shaved by local hairdresser The Cutting Room. The campaign at the Queen Street pub ran for six weeks, culminating in a major fundraising day on June 27.
Alice said: "It's incredible, especially because it's from people we don't know. The number of people at the pub who were spending so much money, even though we'd never met them before, was amazing. It's incredible how everybody rallies together for kids who need it, or even adults who need it." Donations also came from Deal Town FC and other local organisations.
A post on the pub's Facebook page read: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single person who came along, played a game, bought a raffle ticket, enjoyed a burger, donated some spare change or simply helped spread the word. Thanks to everyone else who donated prizes, lent equipment, offered support or helped behind the scenes to make the day so special. Most importantly, thank you for showing Henry and his family just how incredible this community really is."
About Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Common symptoms include unexplained bruising or bleeding, ongoing tiredness, regular infections, and pale skin.
