Wonderful Theo, a 16 year old from Surrey was diagnosed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in July 2025.
Theo’s Story (In His Das’s Words) 💙
Theo is a 16-year-old who loves his sport, in particular playing rugby. He is a talented fly half and was selected for the London South Central Academy Under 15’s, he also loves his golf and is a passionate Liverpool Football supporter.
At the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025 Theo on a few occasions became generally unwell with headaches, feeling tired and having night sweats. This happened on a few occasions. He also had lumps appear under his armpits and neck.
After seeing the doctor on 17th June, he was sent for blood tests at St Peter’s Hospital and was placed on anti-biotics.
On 9th July having been referred to the Royal Marsden after numerous blood tests, scans a biopsy and a Pet Scan, Theo was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
As a family our world fell apart. Theo’s mum passed away in 2019 when Theo was 9 with Ovarian Cancer so this news hit hard. Theo has 2 older brothers and the family unit closed in to start taking in all the information and offer the support process needed for each other and of course Theo.
Theo received treatment at The Royal Marsden in Sutton and was told that he would need at least 4 – 6 months of chemotherapy and potentially radiotherapy to treat his illness. On the 19th September, having gone through 3 cycles of chemo, Theo had a PET Scan and was told that there were no signs of the cancer, and the chemo had done its job. Theo still had 3 cycles of chemo to finish but the signs were extremely positive that he was winning his battle.
We are now coming to the end of November. Theo had what we hope to be his last chemotherapy treatment yesterday (24thNovember). We are awaiting another PET Scan on the 9thDecember but are extremely hopeful and positive the scan will show that he has won his battle. We say this very nervously and do not wish to tempt fate as we still need to hear that confirmation but have every reason to be hopeful after the first PET Scan.
One thing I will say is that Theo has been an inspiration to family, friends, teammates, teachers and all the medical team who have supported him. He has not stopped smiling throughout his treatment, has faced all the challenges head on and has still managed to support his teammates playing rugby and attend school when he was well enough and prepare for his mock exams (This is his GCSE year). What a time to finish his treatment to be faced the next day with his first mock exam being Math’s. Theo has accepted this with no complaints but is very much looking forward to a very well-earned Xmas break and celebration. As are his family..
Theo was unable to play competitive sport during his treatment but even that didn’t stop him, and he took up golf becoming a member of his local club. This allowed him to get out and about, exercising but also meant he was able to spend quality time with friends. This has, without any doubt, helped him cope with the diagnosis and treatment. Golf has become and will continue to be an important part of Theo’s life. Having had the most devastating news in July we are now looking forward to Theo being cancer free and being able to plan for his future.
Holly’s heroes have unbelievably given Theo a night at The Belfry with a round of golf for him and 3 people of his choice and a lesson with a PGA professional. Theo was so excited to receive such a generous gift. Having gone through such a difficult time, to have something to look forward to and be excited about is so amazing and kind.
Going through treatment was incredibly hard, and receiving something so thoughtful has reminded Theo he is not alone.
This gift feels like a little celebration of how far he has come and of the people who helped him get there.
