ZAK’S STORY
Zak (17), from Bristol, was 16 when he was diagnosed with Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML) in April 2025. He was treated at Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre and helped by Claire, Jax and Charlie from Teenage Cancer Trust.
Zak was 16 when he was diagnosed with Acute promyelocytic leukaemia. The symptoms came suddenly – constant nosebleeds, headaches, sickness and exhaustion – and within hours of a blood test he was rushed to hospital and told to prepare for treatment.
At Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre, Teenage Cancer Trust nurses Claire and Jax became a lifeline for Zak and his family. They helped manage overwhelming side effects, supported his mental wellbeing and made sure he wouldn’t spend Christmas in hospital.
He also met Charlie, the Youth Support Coordinator, who created moments of normal teenage life through safe activities, helping him connect with other young people who understood exactly what he was facing.
Today, Zak is nearing the end of treatment and looking forward to getting back to sport, passing his driving test and rebuilding his confidence. His family have since raised £11,682.97 to give back to the charity that supported them through the toughest time of their lives.
Stories like Zak’s show why specialist, age-appropriate cancer support matters – and why strong leadership at Teenage Cancer Trust has real, life-changing impact.
As soon as we got to Southmead Hospital, I was told that they suspected that I had Leukaemia. They put a cannula in straight away. They tested my bone marrow, and we knew by 5pm that I did have cancer. I didn’t cry; I just thought: ‘I need to fight this’.
I was supposed to be having chemo this Christmas but Claire and Jax were able to sort it so that it I won’t be in hospital over Christmas.