Imagine your life taking an unexpected turn after a simple phone call. That’s exactly what happened to one young boy and his family when they received news about a football injury. Meet Harry Mills, a nine-year-old Liverpool FC fan from Reading, Berkshire, whose life changed forever after a routine x-ray.
It all started in April 2023 when Harry was playing football at school. As he went to kick the ball, he heard a strange noise coming from his leg, followed by intense pain. Concerned, Harry told his parents, Andy Mills and Nicola Smith, who immediately noticed his difficulty in moving around. They even gave him a walking stick to help.
After a couple of physiotherapy sessions for what was initially suspected as muscle damage, Harry was able to walk again. He eagerly returned to playing football and cricket, his two favorite sports. However, in June, the pain resurfaced, and Harry found himself limping once more.
Worried that they had pushed him too soon, Andy reached out to a surgeon who had previously helped him with his own knee injury. The surgeon recommended an x-ray, which revealed a crack in Harry’s bone. To further investigate, an MRI was scheduled, and the images were sent to experts at the NHS.
The results were devastating. Harry was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1% of all cancers. The news shattered the family, but they wasted no time in formulating a treatment plan for Harry, which included chemotherapy.
Andy, Harry’s father, recalls the moment the doctors mentioned the possibility of treatment: ‘It really hit home when they said, ‘if we can treat your son.’ It was a pretty horrendous thing to hear. For the next two weeks, we were left in limbo, not knowing if our son could be treated. You always hear about these sad stories on TV, but you never think it will happen to you.’
In mid-August, Harry began his chemotherapy sessions, which he continues to undergo several times a week. Life has completely changed for the Mills family, with frequent hospital visits becoming the new norm. Despite the challenges, Harry remains resilient and never complains.
News of Harry’s diagnosis reached the ears of Liverpool FC, his beloved football team. The club reached out to the family and invited Harry to Anfield to watch the highly anticipated Merseyside Derby. To his delight, Harry also had the opportunity to meet his favorite player, Virgil van Dijk.
Andy recounts the unforgettable experience: ‘After the match, we were in the Melwood Lounge, where the players’ friends and family gather. When Virgil walked in, everyone stopped and turned around. A man said to us, ‘He never comes in here, it must be special.’ Virgil approached Harry, spoke to him, and even gave him a signed shirt and his captain’s armband. It was absolutely brilliant.’
Looking ahead, Harry faces an invasive surgery in November, just two days after his 10th birthday. The procedure involves removing any affected bone and muscle in his leg and replacing it with an implant. This implant will need to be expanded every six months to accommodate Harry’s growth. Although the implant will last approximately five years, Harry will require ongoing hospital visits for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the surgery, Harry may never be able to play competitive sports again.
In the midst of their own struggles, the Mills family is determined to give back. They have started a fundraising campaign for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity that has provided invaluable support during Harry’s diagnosis. The campaign has already raised an impressive £31,000, thanks in part to Harry’s classmates who shaved their heads in solidarity.
Andy expresses his gratitude: ‘I was amazed that 12 of his classmates actually went through with the head shave. What those boys have done for my son is just incredible.’ In addition to the head shave, Harry’s sisters, Laura and Abi, embarked on an 80-mile walk, raising over £5,000 for the charity.
Harry’s story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of community. Despite the challenges he faces, he remains an inspiration to all. If you would like to support Harry and Young Lives vs Cancer, you can donate to his JustGiving page. Let’s come together and make a difference in the lives of children like Harry.