By Mal Butler
An East Cowes teenager has been diagnosed with a heart-breaking condition, which will involve a predicted five years of treatment.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by family friend, Alanna Sheldon, to help Harry Greenen-Bell, 13, and his family, through the ordeal.
Mum, Amy, who has three other children, Fred 11, Ava, 10, and Teddy, two, said: “Harry originally came down with what we thought was a simple cough, and over the course of a couple of weeks he was seen a number of times by doctors as the cough just seemed to be progressing.
“Then, in the middle of September, Harry was taken to A&E where his symptoms rapidly progressed to the point where a specialist team from the mainland took him to Southampton ICU.
“The doctors discovered a large mass in his chest which was causing significant pressure to his lungs and heart. There was fluid in and around his lungs, severely affecting his breathing, with one lung having collapsed from the intense pressure. Further tests discovered Harry has T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.
“Harry has had his first round of intense chemotherapy alongside various treatments to reduce the mass. He has also had a number of intrusive procedures, including draining fluid from his lungs multiple times, and lumbar punctures.
“Harry is facing this all head-on, but it is just the start of his predicted five-year long journey of treatment. With this current treatment plan the doctors and professionals involved are all very confident that Harry will have a full recovery and normal adult life.”
Any money donated would support with travel costs, day-to-day living and things to keep Harry comfortable and occupied.
You can find the page via iw.observer/harry-greenen-bell.
Isle of Wight Observer