UK Teen Dies Just One Day After Being Diagnosed with Aggressive Leukemia
Leigh, Greater Manchester — A 16-year-old boy in the UK tragically passed away just one day after receiving the devastating news that he had leukemia. Harley Andrews, a keen soccer and rugby player, was admitted to Royal Bolton Hospital in Lancashire on November 8, after weeks of experiencing vague symptoms that were initially dismissed as minor ailments.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Harley had visited his doctor weeks earlier, complaining of feeling unwell, but was told he likely had a viral infection. A close family friend said he was initially informed that he might be experiencing “growing pains.”
However, just under two weeks ago, Harley began noticing blood in his urine. Alarmed, his father took him to the hospital, where doctors delivered the devastating diagnosis: stage four leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.
“His mother had only taken him to the doctor a few weeks ago and they put it down to growing pains or a viral infection,” said Kaylee Jackson, Harley’s former elementary school teaching assistant and close friend of his mother. “Obviously, you don’t think that at 16 they could be seriously unwell. I don’t think he showed any real signs or symptoms to either of his parents.”
The leukemia had already caused internal bleeding in Harley’s brain and several organs. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday, and just hours later, in the early hours of Sunday, November 9, he passed away.
“She hadn’t even processed that he had leukemia before she was told he had passed away,” Jackson added.
In the wake of the tragedy, a family friend has established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses. The fundraiser tribute reads: “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 the second of six children and a cherished member of his local community.
Rest in peace, Harley Andrews.
