Bereaved father finds purpose after losing child to cancer

Bereaved father Oke Ewule, from Bristol, shares his story of purpose and hope following the tragic loss of his son, Chizi, in a moving and inspirational film produced by Children with Cancer UK. The film raises awareness of the devastating impact of childhood cancer and highlights the extraordinary resilience of families facing the unimaginable.

The film opens with Oke’s poignant words:

Unfortunately this is our life. We try to make the best of it and turn it around — to get some positives out of this.

Chizi’s cancer journey began heartbreakingly early. In August 2012, at just three months old, he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the nerve cells. Despite enduring harsh chemotherapy and its painful side effects for three long months, Chizi radiated joy and resilience, bringing light to his family even in the darkest moments. After treatment, he went into remission and for nearly two years, blossomed into a playful, laughing toddler, devoted to his older sister and filling their home with joy.

Tragically, on the 3^rd November 2014, a relapse revealed a secondary cancer — acute myeloid leukaemia — which had developed as a result of his earlier treatment. This aggressive form of childhood leukaemia, marked by the rapid overproduction of immature white blood cells, severely compromised Chizi’s immune system and quickly overwhelmed his fragile body. Just 36 hours later, on the 5^th November, Bonfire Night, while fireworks lit up the sky outside, Chizi died peacefully in his parents’ arms, aged just two and a half.

Reflecting on his grief, Oke shared:

I felt like I had failed, because somehow I felt it was my responsibility to make sure my little boy was okay.

I used to drive to Gloucester daily, and every single day for about ten months I cried. No one knew.

I cried for the missed future I was meant to have with my son — him getting married, me coming to his house as a grandad.

Oke made a promise to Chizi: to turn grief into purpose. That promise continues to guide his family’s mission to support others facing similar experiences. To mark ten years since Chizi’s passing, Oke published The Bravest Little Bear, a therapeutic book about their journey through childhood cancer. He explains:

On the 10^th anniversary of his passing, I published a book about Chizi and our journey as a family. The aim is to try to build a generation of very resilient, compassionate children with empathy — preparing a generation that will have more love for each other.

Love is what powers me. That’s my reason for wanting to help people. Love for the past, which is my motivator in Chizi, and love for the future we can build.

When asked what he would say to another parent who has lost a child to cancer, Oke said:

I have walked this path. Every feeling they’re feeling is absolutely valid.

It’s not the end, there is hope. Life goes on. No matter how dark the night is, the morning will come.

Oke closes his story with a heartfelt plea, not just for awareness, but for action:

I wish there was some kind of research that could have brought my boy back. No one should need convincing that research needs to take place. We just need to give extremely generously to make sure we make a change, make a difference, and find a way to deal with this problem once and for all.

Gavin Maggs, Children with Cancer UK Interim CEO said: 

Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer and face gruelling treatments that can last for years. Tragically, two of those 10 will not survive. Cancer is still one of the biggest causes of death in young people under the age of 15, yet only around 2% of the UK’s cancer research funding is dedicated to cancers affecting children and young people.

We stand with families like Chizi’s and believe every child deserves to survive their diagnosis and live a full, healthy life.

Even the smallest breakthrough can dramatically improve survival chances. That’s why we invest in research, working closely with scientists and clinicians to improve diagnosis and develop better, kinder treatments.

Progress is possible. Together, we can create a future where childhood cancer no longer defines a child’s story.

The Real Stories campaign is a video series from Children with Cancer UK, shining a light on the resilience and courage of families affected by childhood cancer. Through powerful, first-hand accounts, each film reveals how cancer has shaped – but not defined – their lives, hopes and dreams for the future

To watch Oke’s moving film about his son Chizi, visit: Real Stories | Purpose | Children with Cancer UK – YouTube

Children with Cancer UK is a national children’s charity dedicated to ensuring that every child and young person survives a cancer diagnosis. To support their mission or to learn more, visit Children with Cancer UK’s website.