“Hearing his son is cancer free is the best feeling in the world” – BBC.com

Hearing his son was cancer-free was “the best feeling in the world,” his father said.

Steve Harrison’s eight-year-old son, who plays for Stoke-on-Trent’s Eastwood Henley Little Eagles, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia earlier this year.

Steve told BBC Radio Stoke that his diagnosis felt like his world had ended. But a fundraiser led by a football coach Damian Sasiak raised more than £7,000, giving the family “security” during weeks of treatment in Birmingham.

Steve added that Harrison’s treatment is going well, with recent tests finding him ‘cancer free’, but there is still a long way to go.

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Steve said of the news. “But obviously he’s got another 18 months of treatment so there’s a bit of concern with him.”

He added that they welcome any positive news after the dark times through which community support has made the transition easier.

“We couldn’t believe anyone would want to help, you don’t expect it,” said Steve.

“To see so much love in the community and especially from Damien, we were blown away.”

Mr Sasiak, who set up a GoFundMe page, said they had raised more than expected and thanked everyone who had contributed, including friends, family and grassroots football fan pages across the country.

Steve said the coach was an “absolute legend” with a heart of gold.

“Along with Harrison, he’s my hero,” he said.