Teenager battling cancer for SECOND time enjoys new ‘man cave’ after fundraising effort
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Harrison Walch, aged 15 and from Aston, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in April last year, just one day after his mum took the teen to their family GP because of concerns over his health.
After chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, Harrison, who attends Aston Academy, was winning his battle but recently received the devastating news that the cancer had been detected again after a check up.
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Hide AdHe needs more chemotherapy and may need another stem cell transplant but other treatments currently being trialed may also be an option.
Friends, relatives and the Aston community rallied together after news of Harrison’s set-back and raised thousands of pounds for a ‘man cave’ for the teenager to use to socialise in with friends.
Tradesmen and volunteers worked for free before and after their day jobs to build the den.
Because of his low immunity, Harrison is at risk of infection, so the man cave will be a safer environment to meet pals in.
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Hide AdIt boasts a pool table, sofa, TV and fridge and has been a hit with Harrison and his friends.
His mum Nickie, a South Yorkshire police officer, said the family is overwhelmed at the effort that went into paying for and building the teenage den.
“When Harrison is having treatment he has no white blood cells to fight infection, so even a cold could kill him,” she said.
"Before the cancer returned Harrison was back to being a teenager again, he was playing football and looking forward to going back to school.
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Hide Ad"These years are such an important time in a teenager’s life, so to think that he can still mix with his friends now thanks to his man cave, means everything to him and us.
“We can’t thank everyone involved enough for what they have done for Harrison, it is overwhelming how everyone has rallied together to help.”
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