Gyles Brandreth Shares Grandson’s Cancer Battle and Recovery

Gyles Brandreth has opened up about the emotional journey following his grandson Kitt’s diagnosis of cancer, describing it as a “shock to the system.” Kitt was diagnosed at just 15 months old in April 2017, a revelation that transformed Brandreth’s understanding of the disease, which he previously viewed as something that primarily afflicted older individuals.

The diagnosis came when Kitt’s parents, Brandreth’s daughter Saethryd and her husband Mark, discovered a pea-sized lump near his stomach during a nappy change. Initial assessments by a general practitioner suggested it could be a cyst or a hernia. However, further tests confirmed that Kitt had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue sarcoma that affects fewer than 60 children in the UK each year.

Challenging Treatment and Support at GOSH

Kitt began his treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), known for its exceptional care. The young boy underwent chemotherapy, which resulted in hair loss and required multiple blood and platelet transfusions. His treatment was further complicated by a bacterial infection that affected his heart and liver.

Reflecting on this tumultuous period, Brandreth stated, “Kitt’s diagnosis was a shock to the system. We think of cancer as something that happens to unlucky middle-aged people. You think of breast cancer or prostate cancer and older people, but you don’t think of kids – well, we didn’t.” Despite the initial turmoil, the family found comfort in GOSH’s world-class reputation. “The moment we heard Kitt was going to Great Ormond Street, we felt reassured because of their world-class reputation,” he noted.

Brandreth emphasized the emotional aspect of the ordeal, highlighting the trust placed in the hospital’s medical team. “It’s a case of holding your breath, being patient and trusting in the team,” he remarked, praising the staff from consultants to nursing personnel for their unwavering support.

While Kitt’s parents focused on his care, Brandreth took on the role of “Grandpa,” striving to maintain a sense of normality for Kitt. He recounted joyful moments spent together, such as building puzzles and sharing funny poems, facilitated by the hospital’s dedicated playroom for young patients.

Long Road to Remission and Ongoing Support

During his treatment, Kitt developed veno-occlusive disease, a serious condition often linked to high-dose chemotherapy that can obstruct small liver veins. This realization highlighted the slow pace of medical advancements in childhood cancer treatment. Brandreth noted, “It became clear to us that the science in this area takes a long time to develop.”

While there has been progress in treatments, such as CAR T-cell therapy pioneered at GOSH, the charity emphasizes that many childhood cancers are still managed with drugs developed decades ago. GOSH Charity provides crucial support services, including free accommodation for families, a multi-faith chaplaincy, and a dedicated Play team.

Kitt, now 10 years old and living abroad with his parents and older brother Rory, was given the all-clear in November 2017 and rang the hospital’s end-of-treatment bell. He has been in remission for eight years and continues to have annual check-ups at GOSH.

As World Cancer Day approaches, Brandreth is lending his voice to GOSH Charity’s appeal for funding a world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre. His advocacy underscores the ongoing need for improved treatments and support for families facing similar challenges.