Joel Esan, 18, from Bessacarr, Doncaster sadly passed away on June 14, 2020 after he had been fighting a rare type of leukaemia, known as Acute Leukaemia of Ambiguous Lineage for the last two years.

Despite multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant from his mother, Joels aggressive form of cancer returned twice since he was first diagnosed at 16-years-old in 2018.

In April earlier this year, doctors told Joel that he only had three months to live because the leukaemia had returned and the disease had mutated meaning no further treatment could cure him.

Joel's final wish was for his family to raise money for the organisations that cared for him.

The 18-year-olds final wish was for his family to raise money for the charities that helped care for him, in particular The Teenage Cancer Trust, Clic Sargent, Laurens Legacy, Starlight and Anthony Nolan.

Joels relatives have fundraised 5,251 in just two days through their dedicated donation page to ensure other families and people like Joel can access help and support when they most need it.

His brother, Patrice Esan explained how it feels to have raised more than half of their 10,000 target.

"It just makes us so happy because we know Joel would have wanted us to raise this for those charities, Patrice said.

Joel pictured next to his sister, Charlotte, sister-in-law Zoe and brothers Patrice, Lee and Lewis.

"He would be happy looking down on us knowing we are doing a good job for him to continue his legacy and to help other people.

Joels family have expressed their thanks for the Haematology ward at The Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield who helped care for him and made the entire experience a touch less difficult to bear.

The 18-year-old spent his last moments surrounded by his loved ones in his family home.

Patrice added: He fought so hard and everything he did, he never complained about a single thing which was obviously a credit to him.

Joel (right) next to his brother Patrice (centre) and dad Femi (left).

"Even in his last moments he spoke to us and asked us to get out of bed and in those moments, he stood up in mine and my sister's arms and passed away in our arms.

"He kind of used his last strength to get up which was quite a sudden thing to happen and it was nice as a family to be together and to use his last strength to be with us.

"He was the best brother you could ask for.

Joels relatives are now urging people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds (BAME) to register to donate their stem cells with Anthony Nolan, a charity which has a register for those who are willing to donate their stem cells to help people with blood cancers.

Its after Joel was unable to find a 100% match for his transplant and instead received cells from his Mum who was only a 50% match, which made it less effective.

White Europeans have almost 70% chance of finding a stem cell donor, while BAME people have less than 20% of finding a successful match according to Anthony Nolan.

Original post:
Family of 18-year-old Doncaster boy who died of cancer raise thousands for charities that helped him - Doncaster Free Press