Young Shropshire cancer survivors receive surprises from their heroes

Two teenage cancer survivors from Shropshire have received a special surprise from their heroes, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti and British rapper Aitch, as part of Children with Cancer UK’s ‘Heroes Against Cancer’ initiative.

Rachel Lokier, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) after collapsing at home in 2014 when she was just seven-years-old, has received a special message from her hero, Italian-born singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti. Meanwhile British rapper Aitch has sent a surprise video message to Yuvraj Singh, who was also diagnosed with ALL, in 2020 when he was 10-years-old.

Following her diagnosis, Rachel, who lives in Wem, Shropshire, endured two and a half years of gruelling treatment which included multiple blood and platelet transfusions, and chemotherapy.

Although in 2016, 10-year-old Rachel rang the end of treatment bell, signalling the completion of her cancer treatment, she still suffers from long-term side effects including chronic fatigue and anxiety. Despite her difficulties, Rachel’s cancer diagnosis has inspired her to want to train as a radiographer. Now aged 17, Rachel wants to use her experience to help other young people who might be feeling isolated during their cancer journey.

After receiving his diagnosis, Yuvraj, who lives in Lawley, Telford, has experienced a challenging journey marked by chemotherapy and a successful stem cell transplant, followed by complications including graft versus host disease (GvHD), skin trauma and hair loss.

Yuvraj continues to receive ongoing therapy to help overcome the trauma and pain he has suffered during the past three and a half years.

To recognise the courage and resilience of all young cancer patients, Children with Cancer UK is helping to create unforgettable moments for young people and their families as part of its ‘Heroes Against Cancer’ initiative.

Since the age of 12, Rachel has been a huge fan of Italian-born singer-songwriter, Jack Savoretti, and Yuvraj has loved rapper Aitch ever since he came onto the music scene in 2015. As part of this year’s ‘Heroes Against Cancer’ campaign, Rachel received a surprise message from Jack as well as an invitation to attend a concert with her family this summer where she will get the chance to meet her hero, and Aitch surprised Yuvraj with a special video message which featured kind words of encouragement.

Rachel’s mum Laura comments: “From such a young age, Rachel has loved Jack Savoretti and his song ‘I’m Yours’ was all she would sing. Throughout her journey, his songs have bought her so much joy and she’s been lucky enough to see him twice in concert so far.

“Rachel was absolutely amazed to receive the special message from Jack and has kept replaying it. Rachel will have finished her A Levels and just turned 18 when she goes along to his upcoming concert and gets the chance to meet him – she is counting down the days and is already planning her outfit!”

Yuvraj’s mum Surjeet adds: “No matter what is thrown at him – chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, GvHD, ICU, relentless scans, tests, and hospital stays - Yuvraj has faced it all head on, he is a true warrior in every sense of the word and is the strongest person I know.

“As a family, we have found so much comfort in Yuvraj’s love for Aitch’s music, which has provided our son with so much joy even on his hardest days. We’re incredibly proud of the strength and courage Yuvraj has shown and continues to show, and we hope that sharing our story will help raise awareness and understanding of childhood cancer and highlight the importance of new scientific research to help beat this devastating disease.”

As part of its ‘Heroes Against Cancer’ campaign, Children with Cancer UK grants the wishes of young cancer patients across the UK as they receive a surprise from their personal ‘hero’, with a specially recorded video message or a meet-and-greet in person.

After inviting patient families to nominate their child and their personal hero, the charity received more than 50 requests and the Children with Cancer UK team have been working hard behind-the-scenes to make the dreams of the many children they support come true and provide a moment of fun and excitement for them and their loved ones.

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charity working towards a world where every child survives cancer.

Amar Naher, CEO of Children with Cancer UK, said: “Our ‘Heroes Against Cancer’ initiative is all about creating truly special moments for young cancer patients, just like Rachel and Yuvraj, and their families.

“As well as funding ground-breaking scientific research into the treatment and causes of childhood cancer, we’re also committed to providing ongoing support for young cancer patients. Offering experiences such as this is so important in helping to create a moment of fun, excitement and respite for patients and their families, and we’re determined to make even more wishes come true.”

Patient families are invited to nominate their child, and their child’s personal hero, for a chance to be involved in ‘Heroes Against Cancer’. To make a nomination and for further information about Children with Cancer UK, please visit Heroes Against Cancer | Children with Cancer UK.