The Menai-Davis family endured an unimaginable loss when their 6-year-old son, Hugh, passed away in September 2021.
Hugh was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, but after bravely battling the illness for six months, he was declared cancer-free in May 2021 and even rang the bell at the hospital to mark the milestone. Unfortunately, the cancer returned shortly after, and despite all efforts, nothing could save his young life.
Hugh’s parents, Frances and Ceri, have since reflected on their son’s journey and shared his symptoms as a warning to other parents. Before his diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, the first sign of trouble was a swollen stomach. Initially, doctors suspected it was a simple virus and reassured his parents it wasn’t anything serious. However, as days passed, Hugh’s condition didn’t improve; the swelling persisted, and his parents began to worry it was something much more severe.
When they returned to the hospital for further tests, they were given the devastating news no parent ever wants to hear. “Our lives changed forever. The consultant said, ‘We think Hugh’s got cancer,’” Frances recalled to MailOnline.
Tragically, Hugh’s health declined rapidly. His stomach became filled with fluid, putting pressure on his lungs and making it difficult for him to breathe. “My wife and I were in tears behind closed doors,” Frances said. “Fear is learned, so we didn’t want to show him any weakness. We never told him that he wouldn’t be alright. Hugh faced everything with innocence and ignorance, and he was just amazing. He never moaned or complained, he just got on with it.”
After several rounds of chemotherapy, Hugh began to improve, and the family dared to hope they were winning the battle against cancer. In May, they were overjoyed to hear that Hugh was cancer-free. But their happiness was short-lived, three months later, the cancer returned, and Hugh passed away just a few weeks after.
From what began as a seemingly innocent case of stomach pain and swelling to the heartbreaking loss of their child, Hugh’s parents urge all parents to seek medical help if they notice something isn’t right with their child. “No one knows your child better than you, and while most of the time it’s nothing to worry about, it’s always worth seeking advice,” said Ceri.
In memory of Hugh, Frances and Ceri founded the charity “It’s Never You,” which provides support to families with children battling cancer.
