A campaign has been launched in Newry to “spark real change” and give back to a children’s cancer charity that supported the family of a two-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with a “rapidly progressing blood and bone marrow cancer”.
Following repeated trips to Daisy Hill’s A&E department, little Chester Byrne was at the beginning of this month (April) given the “devastating” diagnosis of B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).
Not only had his parents, Emma and David endured these repeated hospital visits but they also attended a private GP consultation and made repeated phone calls to their own GP seeking answers for their little boy – who Emma knew “instinctively” was seriously unwell.
Said Emma: “Unfortunately after numerous visits to A&E, a private GP appointment and phone calls voicing our concerns with our own GP, nobody was taking my concerns at face value. I had to be my son’s advocate and push because I knew that something more was wrong, and devastatingly enough I was right.”
ALL – also known as acute lymphocytic leukaemia – is a “rapidly progressing” blood and bone marrow cancer that affects the immune system and blood cells characterised by the overproduction of immature white blood cells in the bone marrow. It can spread to the lymph nodes, central nervous system, and other organs and can affect both children and adults – but is most often diagnosed in younger people.
Following Chester’s devastating diagnosis, his parents launched a fundraising appeal to give back to Children’s Cancer Unit Charity which Emma says had been “outstanding” in the level of care and compassion they had shown the family in the most difficult of days.
She explained: “They have funded the isolation rooms on this ward which we are currently staying in, they have funded Wi-Fi for children and families to avail from, they have funded positions on the ward for play specialists to come and spend time with children on the wards.
“The list is truly endless and the impact is astronomical.”
They have now also launched their own awareness and fundraising campaign in their son’s name known as Chester’s Chance.
Speaking about the initiative, Chester’s Chance Campaign Manager and close family friend, Eimear Sloan said: “Their [Eimear and David] world was turned upside down following Chester’s devastating diagnosis, and what has followed is a story of strength, heartbreak, and determination — not just to save their son’s life, but to spark real change.
“Chester’s diagnosis was significantly delayed despite multiple visits to A&E, a private GP consultation, and repeated phone calls to their own GP. Emma instinctively knew something was seriously wrong — and she had to fight to be heard. Devastatingly, she was right.
“Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Every family they have spoken to on the ward has shared similar experiences — their concerns dismissed, their instincts ignored, and diagnoses delayed.
“Chester’s Chance was born out of both necessity and love. The aim of the campaign is not only to raise vital funds for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, but also to raise awareness of B-cell ALL and highlight the growing communication gap between GPs and families.
“We are advocating for faster escalation of parental concerns, earlier detection, and more compassionate, family-centred care — because parents know their children best, and their voices matter.”
To add to their heartbreak, Emma and David were due to get married in just seven weeks. Eimear says they have now postponed their wedding “indefinitely” to focus on Chester’s care as he continues to receive specialist treatment at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
But rather than dwell on the negative, she says the pair have continued “pouring their energy into something bigger in starting the conversation that everyone should be having.”
Chester’s parents – who also have another son Reuben (4) – launched a GoFundMe page to support the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity with an ambitious target of £16,000. Just over a fortnight into fundraising, they have already surpassed £15,200.
Of the immense public generosity, Emma said: “David and I are blown away by the kindness and support that we as a family have received and the passion and drive to help raise crucial funds for such a wonderful charity.
“We also have been touched by parents reaching out and striking a conversation sharing in the topic of voicing concerns and raising awareness in terms of speaking with our GPs and medical professionals.
“We urge anyone and everyone to always trust your gut deep down and always stay strong.
“We thank all the local businesses that have supported our efforts in raising funds and raising awareness of childhood cancer. We thank everyone that has donated whether it be through GoFundMe, to our donation boxes, Revolut, throwing a few pound in cash it’s all been accounted for and it’s going to an amazing charity that continue to make a huge difference in not only our lives but other children and families who are experiencing this year extremely difficult time too.
“And finally we thank you for keeping our little lion Chester in your thoughts and prayers.”
You can make a donation to Chester’s Chance GoFundMe page here.
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