The community is in mourning after a 16-year-old boy died just one day after receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis.
A Devastating Turn of Events
Harley Andrews was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital on Saturday, November 8, where he was tragically diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer. The amateur football player sadly passed away just one day later, following what has been described as a 'devastating turn'.
Medical tests revealed that the kind-hearted teenager was suffering from stage four leukaemia. The disease had caused internal bleeding in his brain and several other organs prior to his death.
Community Rallies in Support
A close family friend and neighbour, Kaylee Jackson, started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Harley's family with costs. The page has already raised more than £8,000, demonstrating the overwhelming community support.
The fundraiser describes Harley as a "bright, kind, and loving young soul who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him." It adds that his passing has "left an incredible void in our community" and aims to ease the financial strain on his family for funeral costs and other expenses.
Harley's mother, Gemma, shared an update on the fundraising page, expressing the family's gratitude. "We really do appreciate and seeing how loved Harley was brings comfort to us," she wrote.
Remembering a 'Loving' Young Soul
Kaylee Jackson, who was also Harley's teaching assistant at primary school, described him as an "all-round good kid" who adored his five brothers and four sisters.
"He was a young, lovely, polite boy," she told the Daily Mail. "He was all about family, always with his brothers and sisters and friends. Harley used to love playing football in the street with the kids and giving them piggybacks."
His sudden illness came as a complete shock to his family. He had visited a doctor just weeks before, with symptoms initially attributed to growing pains or a viral infection.
"I don't think he showed any real signs and symptoms to either of his parents," Kaylee explained. "Gemma is still in shock at the news. She hadn't even processed he had leukaemia before she was told he had passed away."
A Passion for Football
Harley was a keen amateur football player, having initially played for his dad's team, Leigh Town, before transferring to Astley and Tyldesley FC in January 2023. He was said to have been a 'pivotal part' of a league and cup double triumph in 2024.
A second fundraising page, which has raised almost £2,500, paid tribute to his love for the game, describing how his "warm heart, bright smile, and love for football touched everyone who knew him."
His football club shared the fundraisers on their Instagram page, asking the community to donate "no matter how small" during this difficult time. Local rugby league team Leigh East also expressed their sorrow, describing themselves as 'heartbroken' over the loss of their former junior player.
