We’re overjoyed for Angus

In this morning’s assembly, Year 8 celebrated with their fellow pupil Angus who, this week, marked the end of his Leukaemia treatment which lasted 3.5 years.

Angus was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer, T- cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-ALL) on 24th September 2019. He is one of under 100 children in the UK each year who receive this devastating diagnosis.

In this morning's assembly Angus showed the class he's beads of courage (pictured); a scheme he was told about by the hospital. As Angus told Year 8;

"You get a coloured bead each time something medical happens. As you can see, quite a bit happened. White beads are chemo, black beadss are blood tests. All the colours mean something different. In total there are 947 beads. Today I get my purple heart bead just like a military purple heart. It is awarded for bravery when wounded by an enemy. In my case leukaemia."

Further to celebrating the end of his treatment, Angus and his family have raised over £120,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, who along with the incredible teams at St. George's and Evelina hospitals, gave Angus and his family extraordinary support over the course of Angus’ treatment.

As summarised by his parents, on Angus' Giant Pledge fundraising page:

“Somehow, through the quagmire of intense chemo treatment, multiple blood transfusions and a myriad of debilitating side effects, Angus has maintained his spirit. His quirky wit, passion for reading and fascination with eccentric facts and all things scientific have stayed firmly intact. His bravery and droll sense of humour throughout the constant medical drama and darkest times have inspired us all.”

We couldn’t agree more! Deputy Head of Alleyn’s Lower School, Kate Owens said,

“Each day I see Angus I am full of awe at his tenacity. Seeing the sparkle in his eye never ceases to make me smile.”

To further celebrate Angus’s recovery and support the life-saving work of The Royal Marsden our School we’ll be organising school-wide sponsored walk later this year.

With thanks to Angus and his parents for letting us share his story.