Finley's road to recovery
Words: Bekah Anstey
Images: Finley
This month’s local hero needs no introduction, he’s basically a legend and can teach us all a thing or two about positivity, resilience and courage and he is only 11 year's old!
Finley is a local boy, who, at the start of this year was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Shortly after his diagnosis Finley decided to turn a negative into a positive and started a Facebook group to share his journey to recovery with the world. There’s lots of informative videos that I can imagine other children at the start of Finley’s journey will find comfort, hope and encouragement in. Finley talks openly about his experiences and manages expectations, whether it’s information on what chemo is really like or what happens when you’re having a bone marrow transplant. Finley talks you through the journey in such a way that it isn’t a problem and you just ‘get on with it’.
Finley you are a true inspiration to not only the younger generation, but to us all. I am privileged to share your journey with you and humbled by your spirit.
We’re up to Day 106 with his journey and each day brings joy and determination to us all. There’s never a down day, even when he’s tired and groggy, Finley always has a smile on his face and greets us all with that wonderful ‘Hi guys’. I have sat and watched Finley’s videos and he’s becoming a pro in front of the camera! I’m just waiting for him to start his own YouTube channel! (no slime involved though Finley please, we’re all slimed out).
It’s clear to see that Finley has a great support network, his family can often be heard in the background of his live feeds and we’ve seen many friends join Finley in his videos - shout out to to his class mates at Abercrombie along with Annabelle, Lexi, Jacob, Loretta, Coral, Pearl, Lailah, Autumn, Brooklyn and not forgetting his little brother Charlie and cute cousin Ava.
I particularly loved watching the drinking water challenge recently!
I’m sure Finley would agree that his happiness and positivity are instilled by Mum, Dad and brother Charlie. What an amazing job mum and dad are doing with their beautiful boys!
Finley you are a true inspiration to not only the younger generation, but to us all. I am privileged to share your journey with you and humbled by your spirit.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the following local businesses for donating some lovely gifts to Finley:
Unit 1 Martial Arts donated a month’s free training classes, thank you Dave Cartawick
JJ’s Florist donated a beautiful bouquet for mum and dad, Thank you Jessica Hodgson
Chesterfield Lawn Tennis Club donated a tennis party with goody bags in association with Disability Tennis. Thank you Coaches Andy and Charlie.You’ll see us getting stuck in with this so keep a look out on our Facebook page!
Galaxy Travel donated a luxury limo for the family to take them to the Marvel Show in Sheffield that we surprised Finley with. Thank you Dave Lewis.
What an amazing group of local, independent businesses and a great example of social action.
Thank you one and all.
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