Bell signals end of cancer treatment for Oscar

Oscar Maxwell with parents Mike and Catherine and twin sister Holly

Three-and-a-half years after starting chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a delighted Oscar Maxwell has rung the bell to signal the end of his treatment.

Oscar, 16, was joined by his parents, Catherine and Mike, and his twin sister, Holly, to celebrate this important milestone last Friday (21 February) on Dolphin Ward at Medway Maritime Hospital.

His grateful family was so thankful for the excellent care he received at Medway Maritime Hospital, that they hosted a comedy night, Ozfest, to raise money for the children’s oncology fund.

Their generous donation of £4,735 to The Medway Hospital Charity will support other young patients and their families going through a cancer journey.

Mum Catherine said: “The whole children’s oncology team, in particular Debbie and Katie, has been so kind to Oscar and our family and we cannot thank them enough.”

Oscar started to feel unwell in August 2021 and was admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in September 2021, being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia that same day. Within days he moved to St George’s Hospital, Tooting, for further tests and the fitting of a port-a-cath. It was then on to The Royal Marsden Hospital for his initial treatment and three-year treatment plan.

The Maxwell Family raised nearly £5,000 for The Medway Hospital Charity

Mum Catherine said: “Oscar is amazing. Ever the optimist, he took a great interest in his treatment and remained upbeat throughout. He is now looking forward to a ‘normal’ life, spending more time with his family and friends, taking a full and active part in his school-life at Ebbsfleet Academy and sitting his GCSEs this summer.”

Although his treatment is over, Oscar will continue to be under the watchful eye of the paediatric oncology department at Medway Maritime Hospital and the Royal Marsden Hospital for the near future.

Karen Kessack, Director of Nursing for Women, Children and Young People, Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “No child should ever have to go through cancer but when they do it is really important for them and their family to be able to mark the end of their treatment as it is an important milestone. We are really pleased Oscar and his family were able to be with us to do this.

“I hope seeing Oscar ringing the bell helps other children look forward to their treatment finishing.”

Donna Law, Manager for The Medway Hospital Charity said: “We would like to thank Oscar and his family for raising this very generous amount of money for us, which will support other young patients and their families going through a cancer journey.”

Watch Oscar celebrate his special milestone

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