Freddie Cole said: “Having been diagnosed with cancer at such a young age and gone through the whole journey…it has made me look at life differently.”
A young South Cave man who has endured a rollercoaster cancer journey has returned from the top of Africa’s highest mountain having raised thousands of pounds for the NHS heroes who saved his life. Three years ago Freddie Cole was diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma, a rare cancer in the bone marrow and the lymph system, that impacts just 210 people in the UK each year.
He spent four consecutive months on Ward 33 at Castle Hill Hospital’s Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Unit, where he says staff saved his life. And despite a “rollercoaster” journey involving aggressive chemotherapy, multiple blood and platelet transfusions and even a bout of sepsis, Freddie made it home and was given the all-clear last year.
The 27 year-old resolved to support the Teenage Cancer Trust and WISHH, the Hull Hospitals charity, following his support from the TYA Unit and Ward 33 staff at the Queen’s Centre. And in an attempt to push himself to the limit, Freddie chose a fundraising trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, as previously reported by Hull Live.
The operations manager at Drewtons Farm Shop spent months preparing for the six day hike to the summit, which he completed with eight strangers who have since become close friends. And having initially set a target of £10,000 he has now raised £47,000 for the two charities.
Freddie said: “A few years before my diagnosis, I began to take an interest in hiking; a few friends and I would travel around the UK exploring and taking on some popular hiking trails. While I was in hospital, I decided that if I had a good result and a good recovery, once I was back to full strength, that I would do something to give back to the people that saved my life, and Kilimanjaro stood out as a good challenge to take on.
“The enormity of what I was doing really hit me when the summit was in sight, with one last push of half a kilometre to go. Being up there on the roof of Africa, the highest freestanding mountain and one of the tallest mountains in the world, was so surreal. This is the point I felt very overwhelmed, thinking about what I had just achieved, after making that promise and all the training, there had been no looking back and I’d reached my goal.
“I have always been quite determined and self-motivated when it comes to life and all the things I’d like to experience. But having been diagnosed with cancer at such a young age and gone through the whole journey; living in hospital for months followed by another three months’ rest and recovery; it has made me look at life differently. It’s really encouraged me to take opportunities as they arise and to make the most of life.
“I’m very grateful to still be alive, and for the set-up of the NHS and everyone who works in it. If I might be having a bad day or I’m struggling for motivation to do something, I think back to what I’ve been through and soon turn myself around.”
Freddie recent returned to the TYA Unit at Castle Hill Hospital and shared his life affirming experience with some of the oncology staff who treated him.
He said: “From the day I came into the hospital and every day since, every member of staff has been so friendly and helpful. I soon got to know everyone who worked here, the cleaners, catering staff, nurses, doctors and consultants. Everyone was there for me, whether it was a friendly face to talk to and to have a bit of company, or to support me and my family through a difficult time.
“Dr Bailey kept my family and I well informed of what was to come, what to expect, he was reassuring and had my full confidence. The TYA team was amazing, always finding time to answer questions, chase up on treatments, and serve as a shoulder to cry on for the whole family or act as a sounding board to let off steam.”
Charlene Kent, the youth support coordinator at the TYA Unit, said: “One of the things that struck me about Freddie, from the day that I met him, was just how positive a person he is, and he’s carried that positivity with him throughout this cancer journey. Freddie has been blessed with a very loving and supportive family and circle of friends, and that does also make a huge difference.
“If I think just how far he’s come in the past few years, it really is incredible and it’s a real testament to his strength of character and his personal determination. Freddie’s story offers hope to other young people who find themselves on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis, and he’s living proof that cancer doesn’t have to be the end of things, in fact for some people it can be life-changing in a positive way.”
Dr James Bailey, consultant in haematology, was the lead clinician looking after Freddie during his treatment, added: “Freddie was unfortunate enough to develop a particularly rare form of cancer, but even when his treatment was making him really poorly, he was able to look beyond that and stay positive. He allowed friends, family and the team here at the Queen’s Centre to provide the care and support he needed, and he was always willing to share his experiences and details of his illness with trainee doctors and nursing staff so that they could learn and help other people like him in the future.
“We’re all incredibly proud of how the team here has been able to support Freddie through his treatment and recovery, and proud of Freddie himself for what he’s been able to achieve. He’s a real inspiration to other young people, and it’s great to see him looking so well and planning more epic adventures.”
Now Freddie is looking forward to his next challenge – with his sights on a marathon, ultra-marathon or an ascent of Mera Peak – the world’s highest trekking mountain at just over 21,000ft. His aim is to inspire other young people who receive a cancer diagnosis.
He said: “The support from family and friends was invaluable to me, and the team on Ward 33 and the Teenage Cancer Team were so supportive and always interacting. For others who find themselves in the same situation, I’d say prepare yourself; it’s not going to be a nice journey but try your best to stay positive. You’ll be told what to expect and if you know what’s to come, you can embrace that and keep strong.”