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Harrogate boy, 9, backs cancer charity inspired by his mum

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 08:32

9-year-old Thomas with his mum, Sheila.

A 9-year-old from Harrogate has spoken about why he supports Yorkshire Cancer Research - citing his mum as his biggest inspiration.

Thomas said watching his mother, Shiela, continue to make time for family despite living with cancer motivated him to back the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Shiela was diagnosed in 2021 with inflammatory breast cancer that had already spread to other parts of her body.

She was told the disease was incurable and later shared the news with her two sons, Thomas and his younger brother Isaac, who is six.

She is currently undergoing treatment to help manage her symptoms and has said her priority is spending as much time as possible with her children.

Thomas said:

"I am so inspired by my mum. Having cancer hasn't stopped her from making sure we do lots of amazing things together.

“Mummy has been so strong when she’s been in and out of the hospital.

“Sometimes she has been very poorly, but she always makes sure to look after me and Isaac."

Shiela and Thomas recently shared their experiences with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

Their conversation explored the role volunteering has played in supporting Shiela’s mental wellbeing, as well as the fundraising efforts the family has contributed to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Their story went on to help inspire a poem written by Simon for World Cancer Day, titled The Campaign.

Thomas said:

“I was really surprised when I was told I would get to meet the Poet Laureate. Hearing his words was powerful, and it made me proud to be part of something so important.

"Meeting him made me feel like our words were heard and that one day there will be even more treatments to help families like mine.”

Find out more via Yorkshire Cancer Research here.

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