Tributes have poured in for a beloved teenager who tragically passed away just one day after being diagnosed with leukaemia, after he was dismissed as just having ‘growing pains’.
Harley Andrews, 16, met with his GP only weeks ago, saying he felt under the weather. But he and his mum, Gemma, were dismissed and told it was probably a virus or just ‘growing pains’, according to a close family friend.
The keen football and rugby player, from Leigh in Greater Manchester, displayed no additional manifestation until last weekend, when he noticed blood in his urine. His worried dad and stepmum took him to Royal Bolton Hospital on Saturday, where he was told he had an ‘aggressive form’ of the blood cancer. In a devastating turn, he died early the following day (November 9).
Harley suffered internal bleeding in his brain and multiple other organs due to stage four leukaemia, according to tests. Tragically, the boy died a few hours after learning of his diagnosis.
Kaylee Jackson, a close family friend and neighbour who grew up with Harley’s mum Gemma, launched a fundraiser to help with costs, which has already raised more than £8,000 at the time of publication.
The fundraiser says, “Harley was a bright, kind, and loving young soul who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. His passing has left an incredible void in our community.”
“No parent should ever have to face such unimaginable pain, and no family should have to worry about financial burdens while grieving the loss of their child,” it adds. The fundraiser is hoping to “ease some of the financial strain” on Harley’s grieving family, helping toward funeral costs, time away from work and “any other expenses they face during this heartbreaking time.”
Gemma shared an update from the page “on behalf of myself, Kev and [the] rest of the family” thanking everyone who has donated. She wrote: “We really do appreciate and seeing how loved Harley was brings comfort to us”.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Kaylee, a mum-of-five who was Harley’s teaching assistant at primary school, described him as an “all-round good kid” who adored his five brothers and four sisters. She said, “He was in my first class when I was a teaching assistant, so I’ve also taught him. He was a young, lovely, polite boy.
“He was all about family, always with his brothers and sisters and friends. Harley used to love playing football in the street with the kids and giving them piggybacks.
“He started feeling unwell on Saturday, so he went with his dad, Kevin and step-mum to hospital to get checked out. Gemma thought he probably needed some antibiotics – she certainly wasn’t expecting the news they got.
“She had only taken him to the doctor a few weeks ago and said they put it down to growing pains or a viral infection. Obviously, you don’t think that at 16, they could be seriously unwell. I don’t think he showed any real signs and symptoms to either of his parents. Gemma is still in shock at the news. I don’t think it has hit her yet. She hadn’t even processed he had leukaemia before she was told he had passed away.”
The youngster played local amateur football, initially for his dad’s team, Leigh Town, before transferring to Astley and Tyldesley FC in January 2023, where he is said to have been a ‘pivotal part’ of a league and cup double triumph in 2024.
A second page, which has raised almost £2,500 at the time of publication, also pays tribute to Harley. It says: “His warm heart, bright smile, and love for football touched everyone who knew him. Whether he was on the field or cheering from the sidelines, the game brought him so much happiness and brought people together.”
Harley was described as “well-liked by all involved in the game”. It added that he was “one of those players that picked himself up and just got on with it, never complained.”
An update on the page read: “On behalf of the family, they are overwhelmed by the public response, generosity and support they feel. The donations will make a massive difference and take away the financial stress. Thank you very much.”
Harley’s football club, Astley & Tyldesley FC, shared the fundraisers on their Instagram page along with photos of the teen with his teammates. They wrote: “Please donate, no matter how small, for Harley and the family. It would mean the world during this difficult time. Thank you for keeping Harley and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Local rugby League team Leigh East shared their sorrow on Facebook, announcing they were ‘heartbroken’ over the loss of Harley, a former junior player. They said that he would be ‘missed by all who knew him’, adding: “Once an East lad, always an East lad.”
I am so sick of these doctors dismissing people, particularly younger people, when they present with symptoms. Doctors, years ago, were so meticulous and really listened to their patients – the system needs a massive overhaul.
People get ill, so they go to their doctor, but are gaslighted into believing there is nothing wrong with them, or just put it down to a virus, they just don’t care, and if they can’t figure out the problem, God forbid they should send you to the hospital – that isn’t in their remit.
A prime example is when my father was ill, he went to his doctor, who said he had Neuralgia and prescribed him some cream and potions. Eventually, my father was told he was anaemic by his doctor and was sent for Iron injections. This went on for about a year or so, then my father was rushed to the hospital for a blood transfusion to be told, ‘Sorry, you have leukaemia’ – he passed away 7 weeks later, and all because his GP wanted to play God.
GPs need to remember that they are not God, and if they are not certain, the patient should be referred before something like this occurs. GPs don’t always have the answer, and therefore, patients should be sent for further investigation. Not everything is a virus!
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 