Family's 'pockets empty' after son's cancer

A couple who used their life savings on costs that came with their son's cancer treatment have said there needs to be more financial and wellbeing support for families in a similar situation.

Jolanta Otlewska, from Sheffield, said she had "no choice" but to leave her job to give 24/7 care to her 13-year-old son Jakub, after he was diagnosed with lymphoma and began chemotherapy in March last year.

She and her husband Adrian Otlewski had to pay for the 44-mile round trip to the hospital, parking and food, and by May, their "pockets were absolutely empty".

The government committed in February to a national cancer plan, including a travel fund and wellbeing support for those affected.

Adrian said the current system "doesn't look like it is supposed to look" and welcomed the future changes coming in for parents in their situation.

"When your child has a cancer, your life is changed, because he is a priority and you're not really thinking about finance support [at the time]," he added.

Research from Young Lives vs Cancer found that young people and families who had experienced cancer in the past five years continued to experience a lasting negative impact on their wellbeing.

The charity identified gaps in support, including in terms of finances and wellbeing, both during and after treatment.

Jolanta said: "The emotions we experienced at that time were so incredibly difficult. I wanted so badly to take that cancer away from my son."

She said the charity provided support for the family "from the start".

Jakub rang the bell to celebrate being cancer free on 19 December last year, which Jolanta said was the "most beautiful day in our life".

"He is trying to return to school, his education and to reconnect with his friends," she added.

"We are trying to live our new life following the diagnosis and treatment."

Young Lives vs Cancer said the impact of cancer on children and young people remained "as challenging as ever" and had not improved in key areas since 2023.

"The support set out in the National Cancer Plan for England must be prioritised," a spokesperson added.

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