Instead of starting his adult life after his GCSEs, Michael started his chemotherapy treatment and had to have a below the knee amputation. Even after the amputation, Michael continued chemotherapy; the operation to take his leg hadn’t cured him of cancer.
Michael discovered Rainbow Trust shortly after he started his first dose of chemotherapy. Coming from a family of seven, his Mum couldn’t always visit him in hospital so Rainbow Trust’s Family Support Workers Kath and Carol were there to talk to him, cheer him up when he was down and play endless card games.
When Michael was able to go home from hospital, Kath and Carol continued to visit. Chemotherapy continued, fighting the cancer but sapping his energy. With his Mum at work, Michael found it hard to get around and do simple things like make his lunch, unable to carry anything using crutches. Michael’s Family Support Workers were able to help by cooking meals for him, being there for company and ensuring he didn’t struggle getting around the house. "I don’t know what I would have done without the help Rainbow Trust gave me."
Kath and Carol visited regularly, supporting Michael through his treatment and then through recovery and beyond. "With Kath and Carol’s help, my confidence went up loads and I felt like I could do normal things again, like go out shopping."
Michael is now 18 and in remission. He is taking on life at 100 miles an hour…literally! Michael has not only passed his driving text, he also did a sky dive for Rainbow Trust and raised nearly £500!
"I’ve passed my driving test and really enjoy having the freedom to get myself out in my automatic car. Kath won’t let me drive the Kangoo though!"
“I want other amputees to know that even though I have lost a leg, it is not the end of the world. I don’t think of myself as disabled. If I want to do something, I will put my mind to it and do it. Jumping out of the plane was quite scary but I’m so proud of myself!”
Michael is also working towards an NVQ in youth work. ‘I hadn’t really thought about youth work before I had cancer but after being supported by Rainbow Trust, Kath and Carol have really shown me what a difference you can make to someone’s life. I want to try and do that for another person like me.’
Read a full article about Michael which appeared in the Lancashire Evening Post in September >>
