A couple took their little boy to hospital with a cut finger – only to be given the shocking news hours later that he had cancer.
Alice and Matt Stiller, from Canterbury, had wanted doctors at the QEQM in Margate to check their three-year-old son, Henry, because the wound had become infected.
Henry Stiller, three, from Canterbury, has had mass community support following his diagnosis. Picture: Alice Stiller
But later that evening, the toddler was given the devastating diagnosis.
Alice told KentOnline: “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.
“I literally collapsed on the floor, I think. It was a bit of a blur.”
Henry Stiller, of Canterbury, as a baby with his parents Alice and Matt. Picture: Alice Stiller
The doctors also asked Matt if he wanted to have a seat.
Alice recalled: “He said no. But you could see he was very shaken and probably should have sat down.”
The family faced that terrible day on March 18 this year.
But with treatment over the last few months, including chemotherapy at the cancer specialist Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Henry is already in remission. Doctors have now said his prognosis is good.
The youngster is the only child of Alice, 36, who works for a student letting company, and mechanic Matt, 32.
Henry Stiller, of Canterbury, in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer. Picture: GoFundMe
Alice’s friend Lucy Elias set up a fundraising page, which has seen more than £3,000 donated to help minimise the financial burden on the family.
“Whilst the hospitals so far have been wonderful, there are plenty of costs that are already beginning to add up, such as travel and food,” Ms Elias wrote.
Meanwhile, in Deal, where Matt grew up, The Eagle Tavern has raised £3,500 through the 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 Saturday, June 27.
Henry Stiller with Louisa Phoenix, landlady of the Eagle Tavern in Deal, who had her hair cut short as a fundraiser for him. Picture: Eagle Tavern
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 and competition prizes also came from organisations such as Deal Town FC.
A post on the pub’s Facebook page said: “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.
Henry Stiller is now in remission. Picture: GoFundMe
“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.”
Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. The most common symptoms to look out for include unexplained bruising or bleeding, persistent fatigue, frequent infections, and pale skin.