Family photo after Frazer’s amputation (Image: )
In 2023, Steph and Jordan were dealt a devastating blow when their eight year old son, Frazer, was diagnosed with cancer. Leading up to the diagnosis, Frazer had been complaining of leg pain, which was initially dismissed by his GP as “growing pains.” However, as the weeks passed, the pain persisted, leading his parents to suspect something more serious.
“Frazer is, and was, a really active little boy,” said mum Steph, 36. “He’d be running across the football field fine and then on the way back he would have a little limp, and complained of pain in his knee. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here.On December 12, 2023, we were supposed to have a GP appointment but they ended up cancelling it. At the time, Frazer was playing rugby at the Scarlets’ stadium in Llanelli, and he again complained of pain but said he did not want to stop playing.”
On December 12, 2023, they were due to see the GP but the appointment was cancelled. At the time, Frazer was playing rugby at the Scarlets’ stadium in Llanelli, and he again complained of pain but insisted on continuing to play, reports Wales Online.
“We knew it was more than just growing pains, and we had to fight to physically see a GP. Eventually when we got to see a doctor they referred us straight away to our local hospital, Glangwili in Camarthen. After an X-ray and a CT scan, the hospital suggested he had an infection in his knee, possibly an abscess, that needed immediate attention. We were transferred overnight to Noah’s Ark in Cardiff and in the morning Frazer was scheduled for surgery to drain the ‘abscess.'”
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Frazer (left) and his brother Nathan handing out ‘positivity potatoes’ on the ward (Image: )
After an unsettling surgery, the surgeon felt something was amiss, leading to a biopsy the following day. Jordan, a father-of-two, recounted the agony his son Frazer experienced, unable to walk and in sheer pain. During an agonising two-week wait at a hospital, far from their residence, Steph and Jordan were given the grim pre-Christmas prognosis on December 23, 2023. It was “highly likely” that young Frazer had osteosarcoma, a seldom-seen bone cancer variant.
The couple kept this devastating revelation under wraps to provide their boys Nathan and Frazer with the joys of a typical Christmas. “It ruined us, it broke our hearts,” Jordan divulged. “But we chose to run a normal Christmas with our families and the kids, and not tell anyone, as we were holding onto the hope that it was going to be that slim chance that they had got it wrong and it was just an infection.”
The harsh truth came crashing down post-Christmas in January when a third biopsy from Birmingham Children’s Hospital confirmed the dreaded word: cancer. Amidst such a grim forecast, Frazer’s parents witnessed their son’s remarkable fortitude. He embarked on chemotherapy straight away, but after three courses, the writing was on the wall: chemo wasn’t working.
Frazer on his ninth birthday (Image: )
A dire decision loomed—an above-the-knee amputation. “Frazer was in school when we found out it was definitely cancer,” Jordan shared, recalling the heart-wrenching moment they fetched Frazer and his younger sibling to deliver the life-altering news. We started by telling him there was a chance he would lose his hair, which obviously upset him, and that we were going back to hospital where he will be having some more operations and some medicine.”
Mum Steph recalled: “On the April 29, 2024, Frazer had his leg amputated. He was up the next day doing physio and we were home within 4 days. Frazer was straight back to chemo and went on for another four rounds of new intense chemotherapy, weekly immunotherapy treatment and on his two day breaks he was undergoing physio for his new prosthetic leg. Frazer had his last chemo and received his prosthetic leg the day before his birthday at the end of October 2024. He continued to have weekly immunotherapy treatment until this January, which is when we found out he had a lymph node on his lung. He then had thoracic surgery in The Royal Brompton Hospital in London.
“Frazer picked up an infection which resulted in him being in intensive care but thankfully by the end of February he made a full recovery. He is now receiving scans every three months but is back in school with his friends and once again enjoying his childhood. Exceeding all our expectations, a year after Frazer had his leg amputated he is back playing football for our local team, back swimming, playing the drums and he even took part in his school’s sports day.
“The support from friends, family, Frazer’s school and the community has been unbelievable. Frazer is such a strong, positive and determined little boy, we can’t wait to see what he achieves next. We couldn’t be prouder.” Frazer’s mum Steph, dad Jordan, and younger brother Nathan, seven, were by his side throughout his ordeal. Steph said: “Frazer has been an inspiration to us all. He amazes us every single day. It feels like we’ve got Frazer back again. He’s turned back into a kid again.”
Despite everything, Frazer remained a beacon of positivity, touching the hearts of everyone he met. His dad recalled the heartwarming moment they shaved their heads together, with Frazer getting upset because he didn’t want his dad to lose his hair too. Frazer and his brother Nathan also brought joy to the Rainbow ward at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, handing out “positivity potatoes” to the children and staff.
Frazer (left) on an adapted Segway with his younger brother Nathan (right) (Image: )
Although Frazer’s diagnosis forced him to grow up too quickly and endure unimaginable pain, he has emerged as a “happy” and “cheeky” child who is “still fighting.” The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity in Cardiff is hosting a Superhero 5K Fun Day on Sunday, June 22, in Sofia Gardens, and have named Frazer as one of their superheroes. He hopes to complete as much of the 5k unaided as possible.
“We are so grateful to Noah’s Ark for making our stay in hospital fun – Frazer’s favourite times being pizza nights and a visit from the balloon maker,” expressed Steph and Jordan. They were always providing new and fun ways to keep the children happy and occupied. Please donate to them so they continue to offer their amazing support to the children and families at Noah’s Ark Hospital.
“Frazer wants to thank Noah’s ark by raising as much money as possible. He is training for the 5k by going on walks and using a walking machine to be able to walk as much of the 5k as possible.” To contribute to Frazer’s campaign you can click here, or for more information or to register for the 5k event, visit Noah’s Ark’s charity page.