A teenager who was diagnosed with cancer has presented gifts to fellow patients in hospital during the festive period.
Brave Sahil Gulnawaz, 13, wanted to help other children who were spending Christmas at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Sahil said: “I just wanted to help other children at the hospital. I have seen other kids suffering and I thought about doing something and bringing them some joy.”
His mum, Shanaz, said: “It has been a very stressful few months for him and for the family but he was determined to do something nice for his fellow patients.
“He has been in and out of hospital and spent most of August there since he was diagnosed in July. I am really proud of him doing this kind gesture at this time of year.”
Sahil, a student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, was on holiday in Dubai when he became very ill and the family had to cut the trip short.
Shanaz said: “He said he was feeling ill and we went to see the GP and he told us that Sahil was suffering from a virus.
“Then in July while on holiday his condition deteriorated. He complained of pains and we went to see another doctor over there and even they could not find what was wrong.”
It was only when Sahil’s brother Asad, who studies medicine at university, noticed some lumps near Sahil’s throat that the family thought it was more serious.
Shanaz added: “I just decided to cut the holiday short and fly back to the UK. Even then, when we arrived back, the doctors still didn’t know what was wrong.
“I had to beg them to bring an ambulance to the airport.
“They insisted it was a virus. Eventually they decided to do some more tests.
“We came back on July 10 and a day later he was diagnosed with leukaemia. My world just turned upside down.”
Sahil spent the next month in hospital and has been back several times.
Shanaz said: “He has been off school and spends days at the hospital. He has been very brave throughout the illness and wanted to help others at Christmas.
“He went about raising the money himself.”
Sahil was assisted by his cousin Maleeha who raised sponsorship at The Olive School, Blackburn, and contributions also came from the Better Bodies Gym in Blackburn.
He even donated his own spending money to the final amount which helped him buy specially selected crisps, sweets and even a scarf.
To donate to Sahil, click here
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