Luke's Story

Last year, Luke, 13, complained of a sore neck. His granny – and primary carer - Lindsey took him to Darlington Hospital for an ultrasound and blood tests. He was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, a cancer of the blood.

Before Rainbow Trust, Luke had not been out or seen friends for 10 months.

Family Support Worker Monica has helped with Luke’s anxiety and lack of confidence and provided respite for Lindsey.

When Luke was diagnosed, life changed dramatically for the whole family. Luke endured intensive chemotherapy, multiple blood and platelet transfusions, long periods of isolation and he had to leave school because of the treatment.

Luke’s grandmother Lindsey became his primary carer, alongside caring full time for Luke’s mum Laura, who is disabled. Their lives became a relentless cycle of hospital visits and treatments.

Luke, now in the maintenance stage until January 2027, will receive chemotherapy every two weeks, at home or in hospital.

Before Rainbow Trust, Luke had not socialised for almost 10 months. Family Support Worker Monica has helped with Luke’s anxiety and lack of confidence by taking him out on trips with other seriously ill children. She has provided respite for Lindsey.