A brave autistic teenager who was given a devastating leukemia diagnosis just four months ago is desperate to help others just like him.
Harvey Robertson, 16, and his family were delivered the earth-shattering news in February, after his mum Jessica had noticed he had developed a rash and was experiencing back and leg pains that were so agnosising he cried.
He had initially been sent home with diazepam after visiting A&E, before he was later diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow
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The shocking news sparked mum Jessica, from Middleton, to issue an important warning about the signs for other parents to look out for.
Speaking of the moment they were told the news, Jessica said: "It was horrendous. His dad was with him and I was at home. When they phoned me to tell me I remember just screaming. I broke down. We couldn't believe it. I couldn't wrap my head around it or process what was going on at first."
And after months of gruelling chemotherapy, that have left Harvey 'absolutely exhausted' and missing school, the 'positive' teenager is now desperate to help others just like him.
"He has had a really rough ride with the treatment and the chemo," Jessica explained. "His blood count just kept dropping. They have now reduced his chemo as he was reacting to it.
"He feels absolutely exhausted. But, he has been dealing with it really well. Even when he feels really poorly he remains positive and knows he is in the process of getting better. He 100 per cent believes he is going to beat this.
"Harvey being so positive makes it so much easier for us. Honestly, he is so amazing, even when there are setbacks, he is the one reassuring us."
From his hospital bed, it was the 16-year-old's idea to host a fundraising event to raise vital funds for Young Lives vs Cancer and help families, children and teenagers facing the same daunting situation as him.
The family have organised for a number of up-and-coming Manchester bands to perform at the event, named 'Harvey's Army', at city centre venue Canvas on Friday night (June 23) with proceeds all going to charity.
Mum Jessica continued: "Harvey wanted to help people just like him going through this. We decided together that Young Lives vs Cancer was the best charity that supported children in his position, as they supported us whilst in hospital.
"We called it Harvey's Army because he has literally soldiered through with no complaints and such positivity. It is so admirable given he is only 16.
"We have to thank all the sponsors, and the community that really has come together to support this charity, which is amazing."
Acts such as BB.Green, From Carbon, Mercy Kelly and Green Wire will perform before The Haciendas, fronted by Harvey’s cousin Tommy Smith. Tickets can be bought online.
