**Welsh Schoolboy’s Cancer Returns Just Months After Celebrating Remission**
A courageous six-year-old from North Wales faces fresh heartbreak after being told his cancer has returned, mere months after joyously completing years of gruelling treatment. Henry Castle, from Colwyn Bay in Conwy, had long fought leukaemia since being diagnosed at just 18 months old. Last August, he triumphantly rang the chemotherapy ‘end of treatment’ bell at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, signalling – or so he thought – the end of three and a half years of hospital visits, infusions and discomfort.
The elation was short-lived. Only eight months later, in a cruel twist of fate, Henry’s family received the devastating news that his blood cancer had relapsed. He now faces the daunting challenge of another two years of chemotherapy, prolonging a battle that has, by now, dominated most of his young life.
Throughout his ordeal, Henry has endured side effects both visible and hidden. He lost his hair and could not eat without the help of a feeding tube placed into his stomach. His mobility suffered, with a period where he lost the ability to walk and had to labour with physiotherapists to slowly build back his strength. And yet, despite these challenges, his zest for life never dimmed.
Much of Henry’s fortitude has been matched by the unwavering support of his mother, Charlotte Castle. As a single parent, Charlotte has become ever-present at her son’s side, sometimes sleeping for weeks on makeshift beds at Alder Hey Hospital as she keeps vigil over Henry’s care and comfort. Speaking to those who know them, Charlotte’s devotion is clear: she rarely leaves Henry’s side, particularly during periods when his medication renders him unable to eat or move unassisted.
“It’s impossible not to admire them both,” said Joanne Ward, a teaching assistant who met Henry through his local school, Ysgol Pen y Bryn in Colwyn Heights. “Charlotte is a constant presence, there for absolutely every appointment and setback, always putting Henry’s needs first.”
Henry’s return to school life – although frequently interrupted by treatment – left a strong impression on the staff and pupils alike. Liz Hughes, a reception teacher who met Henry two years ago, describes him as a larger-than-life character, always eager to chat and engage with others. “When he’s well, Henry is completely fearless. He’ll just burst in, introduce himself, and make everyone smile,” Liz recalled. His resilience in the face of adversity inspired the whole school community.
The news of Henry’s relapse in late April prompted a groundswell of support among staff, parents and friends. Fundraising initiatives have quickly sprouted, with cake sales, school discos and more ambitious plans helping to raise much-needed funds for Henry and Charlotte as they face yet another long stretch of hospital visits and uncertainty. A GoFundMe campaign, bolstered by nearly 300 donations, is close to reaching its £7,000 target.
Among the more daring efforts is a charity ‘wing walk,’ set to take place over Manchester on 18 July. Liz Hughes, inspired by her friendship with another local, decided to brave the high-adrenaline challenge of standing strapped to the top of a biplane in flight—all for Henry’s cause. “It’s only a few minutes in the air, but the nerves are already getting to me! Still, I’d do anything for Henry and his family,” she said.
Liz and the school community have been deeply touched by the response. “The generosity and spirit everyone has shown has been overwhelming. It’s made a difficult time even a little bit easier to bear,” Liz reflected.
As Henry continues his fight, his story is a reminder of both the fragility and the resilience of children facing life-threatening illnesses. While challenges remain, Henry and his mother are not alone, buoyed by a town that refuses to watch the battle from the sidelines. Fundraising efforts are ongoing as the family steels itself for the road ahead, hopeful that, one day, ringing the end-of-treatment bell will mean just that: a lasting victory over cancer.