My name is Stefania Finch, and I'm a mum of two from Barnsley. My 13-year-old son, Harley, is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Sheffield Children's Hospital after being diagnosed with an exceptionally rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting his brain.
I'm sharing our story not only to raise awareness of what Harley has been through, but also to help spread the word about an incredible fundraising event that members of our local Barnsley community have come together to organise for my children and me.
Harley's journey began long before his cancer diagnosis.
In February 2026, Harley started experiencing neurological symptoms that eventually led to months of investigations, hospital admissions, MRI scans, a brain biopsy and an incredibly difficult period of uncertainty.
In March, following an MRI scan at Barnsley Hospital, I was initially told that Harley had a suspected astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour. We were transferred by blue-light ambulance to Sheffield Children's Hospital, where
