Brave boy Seth guest of honour at Falcons training
Seth, from Consett RFC Minis, is due in hospital on Friday after being diagnosed with a brain tumour just under a month ago, and as he and his family prepare for a difficult course of treatment they were invited to Kingston Park to spend the afternoon with the team.
Seth had a biopsy three weeks ago which identified a pilocytic astrocytoma tumour in a difficult-to-reach part of his brain, with a complicated treatment process set to begin on Friday with the installation of a Hickman line in his chest ahead of weekly chemotherapy which will last for a full year.
Seth was joined at Kingston Park by mam Leanne and 13-year-old brother Matthew Cleaver, with the family getting rare access to watch training before meeting the players, taking part in some on-field games with the team, dining with the squad and being presented with a signed shirt and ‘Flash the Falcon’ cuddly toy.
Leanne said: “Seth has been incredibly brave so far, and we are all super proud of him.
“We cannot thank the club and the players enough for their hospitality and kindness. It showed the true spirit of rugby. Both boys were still on cloud nine at bed time!
“Seth has asked if ‘Flash’ can be his hospital teddy, and he’s taken him to bed with him tonight, which I think speaks volumes about his day.
“It has been a really tough four weeks and he has a tough journey ahead. His treatment starts at the RVI on Friday, so today really was just what we all needed.
“In the words of Seth ‘today has been the best day ever.’”
