Flying Spencer to London to access specialist treatment

11-year-old Spencer, from Skelton, has been facing Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia with incredible strength, and his journey has recently taken a very positive turn. There is a specialist treatment available at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, offering an amazing opportunity for remission.

But for Spencer, even getting to the treatment was a serious medical challenge.

Spencer on his way to Great Ormond Street Hospital for the clinical trial

Because he is severely neutropenic, meaning his immune system is dangerously compromised, public transport was out of the question. And with Spencer feeling extremely unwell after a week in hospital, the 7-hour drive from Skelton to London became an overwhelming and unsafe option.

“Spencer had spent the week in hospital where he felt so poorly,” says his mum, Karen. “The thought of a 7-hour drive to London was unbearable for him, and a worry for us in case he was poorly during the transfer.”

That’s where Lia’s Wings stepped in.

We arranged an air transfer for Spencer, flying him from Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, giving him access to this potentially curative treatment. The flight was carried out in partnership with Skycare Repatriation, whose air ambulance aircraft provided the safe, infection-controlled environment Spencer needed. On board was a specialist team from CATS (Children’s Acute Transport Service) at GOSH, who cared for him throughout the journey.

When Spencer saw the plane waiting for him on the tarmac, his spirits instantly lifted.“His face was an absolute picture when he saw the plane – it lifted his mood so much and he was so excited,” Karen told us.

Karen and Spencer boarding their Lia's Wings air transfer

While his classmates were enjoying school leavers’ activities, signing shirts, going to discos, and celebrating the end of their primary school journey, Spencer was instead in hospital, bravely overcoming challenges most children his age could never imagine. So, to do something extra special to lift his spirits, the very next day, Lia’s Wings arranged a surprise personal video message for Spencer from one of his football heroes, England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke, through our ambassador Tosin Adarabioyo. “He couldn’t believe it!” said Karen. “What an extra special touch this was.”

Spencer received a personal message from Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke

To bring him a little comfort during his hospital stay, we also sent Spencer a teddy bear.“It is currently sitting in Spencer’s hospital bed,” Karen shared. “He loves it.”

Karen has been keeping us up to date with how the treatment is going, and although we’re only at the beginning, we’re thrilled to share that there seems to have been some small improvements in his condition.

Reflecting on the support they received, Karen said: “Your charity is absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for helping us.”

Spencer’s journey is far from over. But thanks to Lia’s Wings, he was flown to London to access specialist treatment, his best chance for remission, which would have been out of reach without our air transfer.