Alfie complained of stomach ache before being diagnosed with sarcoma

Alfie complained of stomach ache

Alfie was a happy, fun loving and very funny little boy. He was always making us laugh. A few weeks before going into hospital he had every so often complained of stomach ache. When he complained more frequently he was taken to the doctor. He was referred to hospital, who then referred him to another bigger hospital. He was put under the care of a consultant paediatric oncologist.

“Alfie was such a funny cheeky little character.” – Nathan, Alfie’s dad

Alfie was such a funny cheeky little character before he was diagnosed. His brother Bobby didn’t really know what was going on at first but when we explained what was going on, he understood. Alfie didn’t go to school after we knew about his cancer. Alfie never wanted his illness to bring anybody down even when he was in extreme pain. He would still try and make people laugh no matter how much of his energy it took because he liked to make people laugh and smile.

His diagnosis was devastating

Alfie was diagnosed on 5 October 2017 with desmoplastic small round cell tumour, a type of sarcoma. As you can imagine we were all devastated. We were hoping and praying that the tumour would be able to be shrunk so it could be taken out and all would be well. Alas that was not to be.

“I am not the same person, I want to die.” – Alfie, 8

Alfie went home for one night and the family dog, Diesel wouldn’t leave his side. Alfie was sedated most of the time but when he came round he was always in pain and so he was quickly put under sedation again. On one occasion my husband and I were with him, when he started to come round so I went to find someone to see him. When I came round back my husband was shocked because Alfie had shouted; “I am not the same person again. I want to die.” He was eight years of age. He knew something was not right and said to his parents; “I am not afraid.” He was so brave.

Alfie’s life was cut short

My wife and I didn’t know how to feel as my wife was pregnant at the time with our daughter and Alfie was so excited to be a big brother but passed away six weeks before his sister was born.
Nathan, Alfie’s dad, December 2021

Alfie passed away on 27 October 2017, in the early hours of the morning. His mum and dad were with him. We went to see him later that day and he looked so peaceful and pain free.
Sue, Alfie’s grandmother, December 2021

How you can help

If you’ve been touched by Alfie’s journey, help us invest in the high quality research that really matters which would otherwise go unfunded.

This helps to support children with cancer so they can be with their families for longer.

Donate Now       Fundraise Here