Yann Kermorgant was diagnosed with leukaemia at just 14 years old when he was already playing football for Stade Rennais Youth Academy. His cancer treatment put his sporting career on hold for four years. When he was finally given the all clear, Yann did all he could to get back on the pitch and his sheer determination ensured he went on to enjoy a successful professional football career including time playing for Leicester City, Charlton Athletic, AFC Bournemouth and Reading. It was at the time that Yann was still playing for AFC Bournemouth that Felix, an avid fan aged 10, received his cancer diagnosis. He too received treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) that he undertook for almost three and a half years, until he was thankfully given the all clear in 2019. Through friends and family, Felix was able to meet Yann and they shared their experiences of dealing with cancer, including the often gruelling treatments, and their love of the beautiful game. Inspired by Yann, Felix is continuing his dream of one day becoming a professional footballer. Every day 12 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, despite their courage and determination to live, not all of them will make it. So this week, we are taking a moment to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day with Felix and Yann and recognise all the heroic children and young people dealing with the pain and fear that cancer brings. We see you, salute you and pledge to do everything we can to support you as we continue our work, striving towards our vision of a world where every child survives cancer. To find out more about national cancer survivors day, click here.
