Teenager who complained of sore back two weeks ago is left confined to wheelchair after devastating cancer diagnosis

A rugby daft teenager who first complained of a sore back two weeks ago has been left confined to a wheelchair after a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Aidan Hogg in Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh picture: supplied

Aidan Hogg, from Musselburgh, was taken to Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children after he suffered from pain in his lower back and lost all sensation in his legs on Thursday, 4 March.

The 15-year-old and his family then faced the news that he had been diagnosed with Leukaemia and cancerous tumours near his spinal cord just hours later that same day.

Aidan, who loves playing rugby, is in a wheelchair and it remains uncertain whether or not he will be able to walk again. Several fundraising initiatives have now been launched to support him through his diagnosis.

Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, mum Emma Davidson said she feels overwhelmed by the support from family and friends who have set up fundraising pages and organised a raffle to help Aidan through his diagnosis.

The 40-year-old also spoke of her son’s courage since he received the devastating news and how he continues to be “an inspiration” to the family.

"It’s been so hard since we found out Aidan had Leukaemia,” she said, “it’s not what you’d expect from an active, young boy who just complained one night about having a sore back.

"But he has just been so brave, unbelievably brave, and friends are being incredibly supportive setting up gofundme pages to help us all through this.”

One fundraiser has been set up by Mrs Davidson’s friend Trudie Murphy which has raised just over £4,500.

Another friend, Steve McFarlane, has arranged to do a sponsored walk up Ben Nevis to raise money for the teenager. And friend David Turner is also working with Mrs Davidson to arrange for a raffle to take place in about two weeks’ time.

"We have had about 58 prizes donated to the raffle so far which is really wonderful to see,” Mrs Davidson added.

The money will go towards developing parts of the family’s home to make it more comfortable for Aidan.

According to Mrs Davidson, doctors at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children believe surgery would be too dangerous given the location of the cancer and so Aidan has started a chemotherapy course which will last for around six months.

He has also begun an intensive physiotherapy course to help his mobility.

Aidan is currently in hospital with is mum and step-dad, Craig Davidson, taking it in turns to visit him.

They are looking forward to having him back home where they live with Aidan’s older brother Ryan, 20, sister Nicole, 16, brother Keegan, ten, and little brother Robbie aged 23 months.

He also has the support of big sister Jamie, 23, and step-sister Nicole, 14, and step-brother Lewis, 10.

“The staff at the hospital have definitely made this whole experience easier for us,” Mrs Davidson added.

"Every member of staff has been amazing.

"They have just told us how it is, which is the best thing because that way we aren’t getting false hope.

"And while it’s difficult news to take, for us and Aidan, they have honestly made the experience so much easier. They really love Aidan too.”

To donate to Aidan’s gofundme pages click here and here.

Money paid for raffle tickets will be donated to the gofundme pages.

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