Kieran's Story

In June 2023, I was diagnosed with Leukemia. After many tests it was confirmed to be AML Leukemia.
It was a devastating blow and very hard to hear the word cancer, I was 17.

Before my diagnosis I was a keen motorbike rider, competing in national championships for trial bike riding, I remember wining my first county championship, feeling so proud of my achievement.

Being in love with motorbikes, I got my first job at 16 working as a trainee motorbike mechanic. I loved my job, and met many people making many friends along the way.

It was during work I started to feel unwell, and assumed I was tired from starting full time work.

Following many weeks of weight loss, nausea, and other symptoms I booked into see my GP, with my mum.

I was requested to return to my GP in a weeks time for routine blood tests.
However within the week, I fainted and was rushed to A&E. My mum and sister came along and supported me the entire time, Within hours I was introduced to an oncology nurse and had it explained I had cancer.

We were all shocked and devastated

Within 24 hours I was transferred with my mum to Bristol Oncology TYA - a specialist unit for 16 - 24 year olds with cancer.
It was petrifying.
We remained here until end Dec 2023.
I underwent numerous tests, scans, treatments including chemo which I could have never prepared myself for.
The change in me was dramatic, I became so unwell, lost so much weight, lost my hair but I continued to fight.

The team on the TYA are amazing. The staff made me feel relaxed and comfortable.
We were able to decorate my room to make it feel more homely, and my mum could stay with me the entire time which meant so much not to be alone.
We met plenty of new people which was great for support
When I was well enough I had friends visit where we were able to use the games room and pool table, this made me feel normal and not isolated to a hospital bed.

Following lots of chemo treatments and plenty of bone marrow biopsies, I am happy to say I am now 6 months in remission and I am doing really well.
My weight is finally starting to increase, my hair is back thicker and curlier than before and I’m so grateful to everyone that supported me through my journey.

I’d like to thank the Ben Saunders Foundation for giving me this wonderful opportunity and time to relax and chill with my family.