Brave Essex boy who battled cancer diagnosis at 2 has first day at school

Hugo, 4, from Southminster, was diagnosed with cancer when he was aged 2
-Credit: (Image: Young Lives vs Cancer)


A young Essex boy who was diagnosed with cancer at just two years old has managed to fight back against the disease and is now starting school for the first time. Two years ago, Southminster mum Jasmin Sarll and her partner were struggling to pay their rent due to constant trips to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for their son Hugo costing them hundreds per month.

Hugo, who had barely had more than two years of life, was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma in October 2022. Now, after months of treatment at GOSH, Hugo is set to start school this September.

Hugo had been suffering with a bad tummy for a couple of weeks. When his parents took him to the doctors, they noticed his liver was swollen so suggested they go to the local hospital to get it checked out. Within a few days, he was transferred to GOSH where his parents were given the news he had cancer.

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Jasmin said: “I could barely walk, it was a big shock because you never expect it. I googled enlarged liver and the worst-case scenario was cancer but I thought it’s not going to be that, he’s just got a tummy ache. The first month or so we went onto autopilot just to try and deal with it.”

Hugo went on to have ten rounds of chemotherapy treatment followed by a liver transplant. He spent months in and out of hospital in London, miles away from home. His parents would drive from their home in Essex, costing them hundreds on fuel every month.

Jasmin said: “It went from £100 on fuel a month to £350 a month just to get there. At the beginning, we didn’t have a blue badge so it was congestion and ulez each time we went up there. There were a few months we couldn’t even afford to pay our rent. We had to budget for every single little thing we did.”

Hugo went through several rounds of chemotherapy
Hugo went through several rounds of chemotherapy -Credit:Young Lives vs Cancer

Hugo’s family were supported by Young Lives vs Cancer. The charity has specialist social workers dedicated to providing tailored emotional and practical care and support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.

Jasmin continued: “Our social worker has been amazing, she’s been there since day one helping with the forms helping with a chat, she’s applied for so many grants for us.” Now, after months of treatment, Hugo is in remission and doing well and is ready to start school.

Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “Today, 12 more children and young people like Hugo in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years.

Hugo is starting school for the first time with his cancer in remission
Hugo is starting school for the first time with his cancer in remission -Credit:Young Lives vs Cancer

"Children can often feel isolated and we need to ensure they are being given the right support they need for their mental wellbeing during and after treatment. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month we want to raise vital awareness of the needs to improve cancer services for children and how people can help support them.”

To find out more about Young Lives vs Cancer and how you can support children with cancer this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, click here.