A teenage boy in the UK tragically passed away just one day after receiving the devastating news that he had leukemia.
As reported by the Daily Mail, 16-year-old Harley Andrews was admitted to Royal Bolton Hospital in Lancashire, England, on November 8. Prior to this, he had seen his doctor weeks earlier due to feeling unwell, but was told it was likely just a viral infection.
A close family friend mentioned that Harley was told he might be experiencing “growing pains”.
However, just under two weeks ago, the teenager – who was reportedly an avid soccer and rugby player – from Leigh, Greater Manchester, discovered blood in his urine.
His father then decided to take him to the hospital, where doctors revealed the heartbreaking diagnosis of stage four leukemia, a severe form of blood cancer.
“She had only taken him to the doctor a few weeks ago and they attributed it to growing pains or a viral infection,” said Kaylee Jackson, Harley’s former elementary school teaching assistant and a close friend of his mother, as she shared with the Mail.
“Clearly, you don’t believe that someone at 16 could be seriously ill. I don’t think he exhibited any significant signs or symptoms to either of his parents.”
The leukemia had led to internal bleeding in Harley’s brain and various organs. He was taken to the hospital on Saturday, and just a few hours later – in the early hours of Sunday, November 9 – Harley sadly passed away.
“She hadn’t even come to terms with the fact that he had leukemia before she learned he had died,” Kaylee shared.
A family friend has since set up a GoFundMe page to assist the teen’s family with funeral costs.
“His kind heart, radiant smile, and passion for football impacted everyone who knew him. Whether he was playing on the field or cheering from the sidelines, the game brought him immense joy and united people,” the fundraiser states.
Harley was the second of six siblings and a cherished member of his local community.
