Teddy’s story

His mum, Georgina, said: “His favourite thing was ice cream. He had ice cream all the time and he was obsessed with the ice cream van because, round where we live, it comes every day. He got to know the man who runs the ice cream van very well.”

When Teddy began being sick and became unsteady on his feet, Georgina took him to A&E. A scan found a mass on his brain and he was transferred to King’s College Hospital for surgery. Further treatment followed, but shortly before Christmas the family were told Teddy’s cancer had spread. Sadly, he died at home in March, aged three, with his family around him. 

During Teddy’s illness, Young Lives vs Cancer social worker Sophie offered practical and emotional support. When Georgina struggled to complete Teddy’s Disability Living Allowance form, Sophie stepped in.

Georgina said: “She looked at me and said, ‘Shall I take the form away, fill it out and fast-track it for you?’ She walked out with that form and it bought me more time with Teddy. When you know your child is dying, it brought me time and it also brought me headspace.”

Sophie also helped the family access grants and connected Georgina and her husband with specialist bereavement counselling. Her support continued after Teddy died.

“Young Lives vs Cancer have always been a real solid base through this whole situation,” Georgina said. “Sophie checks in every few weeks and is there at the end of the phone. If I needed to have a cry, I know she would be there.

In Teddy’s final days, his family made sure he could enjoy the things he loved. The local ice cream man even travelled to the hospital so Teddy could see his familiar van once more. 

Georgina said: “We carried Teddy out and he opened his eyes enough to look at the ice cream, had a conversation with him and sat in his favourite van. As awful as it is, Teddy got to do all of his favourite things in those last few days, and I’m really proud of him for hanging on.” 

Now Teddy’s love of ice cream is being celebrated through a special ice cream pin badge inspired by his story.