A 20-year-old student passed away just a fortnight after exhibiting symptoms resembling the flu. Josh Abbott-Littler had bravely faced Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the past, triumphantly completing his treatment at The Christie cancer center in May 2024. However, a year later, he was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms and chest discomfort. Despite overcoming his initial cancer battle, he received the devastating news of developing a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia linked to his previous treatment. Tragically, on June 26, he succumbed to sepsis caused by a bacterial infection.
Initially diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma while studying mathematics at Lancaster University in 2023, Josh’s sudden illness shocked his family. His aunt, Rebecca Hughes, vividly recalled how his health deteriorated, leading to the initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment at The Christie.
Following a seemingly successful recovery, Josh’s health took a sudden turn for the worse in June when he experienced flu-like symptoms and chest pains, prompting immediate medical attention. He was later diagnosed with treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia, a rare and aggressive condition triggered by his previous cancer therapies. Despite being readmitted to The Christie for treatment, Josh tragically passed away on June 26 due to sepsis resulting from a bacterial infection.
In memory of Josh, his family initiated a fundraising effort for Young Lives vs Cancer by embarking on a nine-hour walk from Wigan to Southport. The charitable organization offers support to children with cancer and their families during challenging times.
Rebecca expressed her deep appreciation for the invaluable support provided by the Young Lives vs Cancer charity, highlighting their continuous assistance and compassion towards Josh’s family in the aftermath of his passing. Determined to honor Josh’s memory, the family aimed to raise £1,000 through their fundraising initiative, receiving overwhelming support from their community during their time of grief.
Describing Josh as a bright and kind-hearted individual with a passion for music and intellectual pursuits, Rebecca emphasized the positive impact of the fundraising efforts on their grieving process. The family hoped to establish a lasting tribute to Josh by commemorating his 21st birthday in January with a special event.
For those interested in contributing to the Young Lives vs Cancer fundraiser in memory of Josh, the donation page can be accessed through the provided link.