Parents of leukaemia survivor ‘grateful and thankful’ to youngster’s care team
Jackson Hall was diagnosed with leukaemia six years ago this month after his parents Sam and Shaun noticed a rash that wouldn’t go away.
The concerned parents rushed the then two-year-old to St Helier in February 2020, where he underwent tests before the family received the devastating news that Jackson had T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
After three years and two months of chemotherapy, Jackson rang the bell to mark the end of his cancer treatment in April 2023.
Jackson had a rash that led to his diagnosis
Now eight, Jackson missed his entire reception year and 80% of year one due to his cancer fight, but since then he’s settled back into school and is thriving.
He has also gone from being the youngest member of his family with an older sister Ava, to being a big brother to Louie.
Sam said: “When we took Jackson to St Helier he was running around and being silly like a typical two-year-old, so really, we had no idea we would never leave that hospital the same family that walked in.
Jackson with sister Ava and brother Louie
“I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone, but at the same time, it feels like a lifetime ago.
“Jackson has come on leaps and bounds, is always happy and we are all immensely proud of him.”
Throughout his journey with leukaemia, Jackson received care from both St George’s and the Royal Marsden through their joint paediatric oncology service.
Jackson rings the bell to mark the end of his treatment
Sam said: “We can’t fault the care at St George’s. The care team were so kind and supportive. They are really like family to us.
“There are no words to express how grateful and thankful we are to them all.”
4 February marks World Cancer Day, which aims to raise awareness of cancer across the globe and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
Sam said: “The trauma of Jackson’s diagnosis will always be fresh in my mind because you never expect to be told that your child has cancer.
Jackson with his parents and siblings
“No matter what we’ve been through since, it has never broken us and for that, I’m always grateful.
“We are sending lots of love to everyone who is on a cancer journey.”
Jackson, who is from Sutton, has check-ups every three months and will be declared cancer-free if he gets the all-clear after five years.
See a GP if you have:
- symptoms of cancer
- any symptoms or changes that are not normal for you and you’re worried could be cancer
