Barrow teen officially in remission after shock cancer diagnosis

Furness Academy student Harry Wilson felt elated when doctors delivered the news that there were no active tumours left in his body.

The teen is currently undergoing his fourth – and hopefully final – round of chemotherapy at Manchester Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December.

Harry’s schooling life was brought to an abrupt halt after a routine appendicitis operation revealed a much more sinister health issue.

A day before Christmas the Wilson family, who live in Parkside, was told Harry did not have appendicitis - but cancer.

Harry kept positive after receiving his shock cancer news and began an intensive course of chemotherapy just days later.

And less than three months since the Barrow family’s world was turned upside down, tests revealed that Harry’s cancer is now in remission.

READ MORE: Barrow teen, 14, given shock cancer diagnosis on Christmas Eve

Harry’s dad Richard, who works at Kimberly Clark, said: “We did the scan last Tuesday and were waiting for the results.

“When we went to Manchester on Monday to start another week of chemo, they had the results ready for us.

“They said we’ve got the results and there’s no cancer left – there’s no active tumours. Harry is officially classed as in remission.

Harry Wilson (Image: Submitted)

“We were obviously hoping for the best but didn’t expect this so early on. It’s amazing.”

Harry said: “I felt relieved – I really didn’t expect it to all be gone that quickly.”

Despite the good news, Harry is returning to Manchester on Monday to undergo one more round of chemotherapy to finish his treatment.

“They still recommend you finish the treatment and do the full course even if scans show the cancer has gone,” said Richard.

“They just want to make sure nothing has slipped through the net.”

Harry is most looking forward to ring the famous hospital bell to signal a patient is officially cancer free.

“I think that’ll be amazing,” he said.

“I can’t wait to finish everything and get back to normal life.”

And the teen is curious to discover if his hair will grow back an entirely different colour than before.

“I’ve been told it can grow back a totally different colour or curly. It could come back bright ginger and curly who knows!” Harry said.

The Wilson family are excited to return back to normal life after a turbulent few months.

Richard said: “The family are all chuffed with the news. It’s been a demanding few months and we’re all just getting our lives back in order. We put everything on hold for Harry and are looking forward to just getting back to normal life.”

Harry and his family now have a newfound appreciation for the NHS and, specifically, the cancer ward at Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Richard said: “The quality of the set up in Manchester is unbelievable. It’s something we wouldn’t have any idea of until you need it.”