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A cancer sufferer who received a £5,000 donation from football star Jack Grealish to help fund treatment has died before the clinical trial he’d hoped to join was made possible.

Dylan Lamb, 20, from Staffordshire, was battling blood cell cancer when his family organised a £1million appeal on GoFundMe to raise funds for the clinical trial treatment in America.

After more than 10,000 donations, the total raised currently stands at £172,00 – and £5,000 of that seemingly down to Manchester City and England winger Grealish. 

Dylan was diagnosed with Precursor T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in April last year after becoming unwell with back pain. 

The student, who lived in Wavertree while he was studying international business at the University of Liverpool, had returned home for the Easter break when he first experienced symptoms. 

Dylan Lamb (left), 20, who received £5,000 from football star Jack Grealish for cancer treatment has died. His girlfriend Phoebe Cole (right) shared the news of the student's death on Facebook

Dylan Lamb (left), 20, who received £5,000 from football star Jack Grealish for cancer treatment has died. His girlfriend Phoebe Cole (right) shared the news of the student’s death on Facebook  

Phoebe Cole, Dylan’s girlfriend, shared the tragic passing of her partner on Facebook last week. 

Dylan was diagnosed at 19, while at home for his Easter break from his first year of university.

He visited the doctors after feeling unwell and suffering with lower back pain, and after numerous appointments, was taken to A&E – where he was told he had a high White Blood Cell count.

Later that evening, he was informed that he had leukaemia, while alone in the hospital ward. Soon after, he underwent chemotherapy and was informed that he required a stem cell transplant.

Despite the toll on his physical and mental health, his aunt wrote on the GoFundMe that he ‘maintained his wicked sense of humour’ during treatment.

In July last year, Dylan was told that the chemotherapy had worked and that he was in remission; he was discharged and sent back home in October.

However, just a few weeks ago, Dylan received the devastating news that the leukaemia had returned.

After undergoing treatment following his initial diagnosis in April 2022, Dylan went into remission...but the cancer returned earlier this year

After undergoing treatment following his initial diagnosis in April 2022, Dylan went into remission…but the cancer returned earlier this year 

The family asked for financial support in getting Dylan to America for a suitable clinical trial but despite raising a significant sum, the student’s health deteriorated and he died this month. 

His girlfriend Phoebe shared the tragic news of Dylan’s passing on Facebook.

She wrote: ‘Even in your last few days, you were putting others before yourself. And that just shows the generosity that will live on in your heart.’

Grealish was hailed by fans for his donation, while Dylan's sister-in-law Kelly Payne said: 'We've been sending the appeal to loads of footballers - I think he probably saw it'

Grealish was hailed by fans for his donation, while Dylan’s sister-in-law Kelly Payne said: ‘We’ve been sending the appeal to loads of footballers – I think he probably saw it’

‘You told me that it was only worth fighting unless you were happy right up until the end, and one of the last things you managed to say to me was that you were happy.’

‘I hope you are somewhere in paradise, finally able to relax after the most admirable fight that you have endured and the continuous strength and courage that you have shown.’

Grealish was hailed by fans of several clubs for his donation, while Dylan’s sister-in-law Kelly Payne said: ‘We’ve been sending the appeal to loads of footballers – I think he probably saw it.’ 

WHAT IS LEUKAEMIA? 

Leukaemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, usually the bone marrow.

It leads to the over-production of abnormal white blood cells, which fight off infections. 

But a higher number of white blood cells means there is ‘less room’ for other cells, including red blood cells – which transport oxygen around the body – and platelets – which cause blood to clot when the skin is cut.

There are many different types of leukaemia, which are defined according to the immune cells they affect and how the disease progresses.

For all types combined, 9,900 people in the UK were diagnosed with leukaemia in 2015, Cancer Research UK statistics reveal.

And in the US, around 60,300 people were told they had the disease last year, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

Most cases have no obvious cause, with the cancer not being contagious or inherited.

Leukaemia generally becomes more common with age – the exception being acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which peaks in children.

Other risk factors include being male, exposed to certain chemicals or radiation, and some bone-marrow disorders.

Symptoms are generally vague and get worse over time.

These can include:

  • Tiredness
  • Frequent infections
  • Sweats
  • Bruising
  • Heavy periods, nose bleeds or bleeding gums
  • Palpitations 
  • Shortness of breath

Acute leukaemia – which progresses rapidly and aggressively – is often curable via chemo, radiotherapy or a stem cell transplant.

Chronic forms of the disease – which typically progress slowly – tend to incurable, however, these patients can often live with the disease. 

Source: Leukaemia Care

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This post first appeared on Daily mail