Inverness teenager (14) diagnosed with cancer surrounded by support from community
A teenage boy who has been diagnosed with cancer has been surrounded by support from the local community and further afield.
Dylan Williams (14) is currently in his third week of chemotherapy and lumbar punctures after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
What was believed to be a swollen gland and then a cyst, quickly grew and after several biopsies and blood tests, Dylan and his family were told he had cancer.
Unable to receive surgery due to the size of the lump, the Inverness Royal Academy pupil and his parents, Barry and Sharlene, are now set to spend the next five months in Aberdeen for treatment.
Despite the difficult and unknown circumstances the family finds themselves in, Dylan’s dad Barry, said his son is navigating it with resilience.
Barry said: “He is such a kind boy and is a laid-back soul.
“He can go to the shop and if you ask if he wants anything he says, no.
“He has been taking the whole thing in his stride and would wear t-shirts about town when he had this huge thing hanging from his neck.”
Dylan plays for Balloan Ness and is a keen Inverness Caley Thistle Supporter.
When the diagnosis was announced, their family in Belfast decided to set up a GoFundMe page to help support the family’s living costs while they stay in Aberdeen.
So far, over £14,500 has been donated, which the family has been overwhelmed by.
Barry said: “We weren’t looking to start anything up. But it was our family from Belfast and his cousins who were wanting to help.
“We initially had been against it, but we know people want to help and this is a way they feel they can.
“We are kind of speechless about it and the overwhelming support people have shown.
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“People can scroll past it and send a card - it’s not about anything else - we are just here worrying about Dylan.
“It is beautiful now looking at it, and recognising names we haven’t talked to in a long time.”
Dylan’s brother Kyle (9) has non-verbal autism and goes to Drummond School, so family from Belfast are over in Inverness looking after him to ensure he can maintain a vital routine.
The GoFundMe can support the family for flights and living costs in Aberdeen.
Support has also come from staff at Inverness Royal Academy, with one teacher allowing Barry, Sharlene and Dylan to use his flat in Aberdeen rent-free.
Barry said: “We have a base which is fabulous and the Archie Foundation has also given us accommodation at the hospital.
“When Dylan gets a break from chemotherapy we can use the flat, which allows us to stay in Aberdeen so he can go back for check-ups in between.”
Inverness Caley Thistle FC has also shared the GoFundMe on its social media.
A spokesperson for ICTFC said: “Everyone at ICTFC stands united in support of young fan Dylan Williams, who has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Dylan is currently undergoing treatment in Aberdeen, far from his home in Inverness. He is showing incredible courage throughout this difficult time and continues to be a true inspiration to us all.
“We’re asking our incredible supporters — if you have even a few spare pennies, please consider donating to Dylan’s GoFundMe. Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward helping Dylan and his family with the challenges ahead: the treatment, the travel, the time, the toll.
“Let’s show Dylan the full force of the ICTFC family. Let’s remind him that he’s not alone in this fight — not for a second.”
