From hospital beds to school classrooms, Harley Race’s journey over the past six years has been nothing short of extraordinary.

In the spring of 2018, at just eight years old, Harley’s world changed overnight when he went from an energetic child to feeling lethargic with a fever.

His mother, Rachael, from Shoebury, took him to hospital, where a blood test raised alarming concerns.

Celebrations - Harley celebrates his 14th birthday cancer freeCelebrations - Harley celebrates his 14th birthday cancer free (Image: GOSH)


The consultant suspected leukaemia, and Harley was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where the devastating diagnosis was confirmed as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

For the next two years, he underwent various treatments, including chemotherapy, steroids and monthly lumbar punctures.

Today, he is celebrating his 14th birthday and is also celebrating four years in remission. Last month, he was able to complete his first full week at school since the diagnosis. 

Reflecting on Harley’s journey, Rachael said: “Great Ormand Street is just like no other hospital. Harley didn’t see going there as a negative. Even though you’re not always going there for a positive reason, we have not had a negative experience.

 

Brave - Harley spent his 10th birthday in hospitalBrave - Harley spent his 10th birthday in hospital (Image: GOSH)

“The level of care that Harley received was just second to none and I’ll always be very grateful for the treatment and the way he was looked after.

“Harley has shown so much strength. I am immensely proud of him.

“Harley starting Year 9 has been a stark expression of how much Harley has overcome.

Strong - Harley with his mum Rachel ringing the bellStrong - Harley with his mum Rachel ringing the bell (Image: GOSH)


“Despite all his health challenges, each obstacle thrown at him, he has always maintained the best attitude.

“Those that don’t know would never imagine what he has been through. I am so happy and grateful for him to be living his life in the same way every child of his age does, and we are so excited to celebrate another milestone, his 14th birthday, together at home as a family.”

Fight - Harley having fun on the ward as a youngsterFight - Harley having fun on the ward as a youngster (Image: GOSH)

Harley’s journey wasn’t without complications. Doctors discovered that Harley carried the ABL1 gene, which facilitated the spread of his leukaemia cells. To combat this, Harley was prescribed imatinib, a cancer growth blocker that played a crucial role in preventing his cancer from spreading further.

In autumn 2020, Harley underwent a bone marrow transplant, which saw him spend his 10th birthday recovering on the transplant ward at GOSH.

After overcoming numerous setbacks, Harley was finally able to ring the end-of-treatment bell, symbolising the completion of his long and gruelling battle with cancer at the end of 2020.