Gyles Brandreth, the well-known television personality and podcast host, has opened up about the emotional rollercoaster his family faced when his grandson, Kitt, was diagnosed with cancer at just 15 months old. Speaking candidly about the experience, Brandreth described the diagnosis as a profound “shock to the system” that completely upended his previous understanding of cancer as a disease that only affects middle-aged individuals.
The life-altering moment came when Kitt’s parents, Brandreth’s daughter Saethryd and her husband Mark, discovered a small lump near Kitt’s stomach during a routine nappy change. Initially, a GP suggested it might be a cyst or hernia, but further tests confirmed the worst. Kitt was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer that affects fewer than 60 children in the UK each year.
Brandreth spoke of the disbelief he felt at the time, noting that he, like many, had always thought of cancer as something that affected older people. “We think of cancer as something that happens to unlucky middle-aged people. You think of breast cancer or prostate cancer and older people, but you don’t think of kids—well, we didn’t,” he admitted. “It was a real shock to us, and it made us realize how devastating this disease can be, regardless of age.”
Kitt’s diagnosis set off a difficult and uncertain path for the entire family, but they found solace in knowing that Kitt was being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), one of the world’s leading pediatric hospitals. Brandreth described the relief he and his family felt upon hearing that Kitt would receive care at GOSH, recognizing the hospital’s unparalleled reputation for treating complex and rare conditions like rhabdomyosarcoma.
During his treatment, Kitt endured several rounds of chemotherapy, which caused significant side effects, including hair loss, and required multiple blood and platelet transfusions. His parents, focusing on his care, spent countless hours at his bedside, while Brandreth played a crucial role in providing a sense of normality for his young grandson. “As Grandpa, I wanted to offer a little bit of normality in a world that had been turned upside down,” he said. “I would spend time with Kitt doing jigsaws, building things together, teaching him funny poems—all things that helped distract him from the harshness of his treatment.”
Despite the medical advances at GOSH, Kitt’s battle wasn’t without its complications. He developed veno-occlusive disease (VOD), a potentially life-threatening condition caused by high-dose chemotherapy that obstructs small veins in the liver and can lead to multiple organ failure. Brandreth reflected on the slow pace of progress in VOD treatments, remarking that despite promising medical breakthroughs like CAR T-cell therapy at GOSH, many childhood cancers are still treated with drugs developed decades ago, highlighting the urgent need for more effective and gentler therapies.
While medical science continues to advance, Brandreth emphasized how reliant families like his are on the dedication and expertise of medical professionals at hospitals like GOSH. “The science moves slowly, but the care you receive is exceptional. From the consultants to the nursing staff, everyone at GOSH is committed to making the experience as bearable as possible,” he said, recounting how the hospital’s staff were always there for him and his family, providing both professional care and emotional support during the most challenging moments.
After several months of grueling treatment, Kitt rang the hospital’s end-of-treatment bell in November 2017, signaling the end of his cancer battle. The family celebrated the joyous moment, grateful that Kitt had overcome the life-threatening illness. Now 10 years old and living abroad with his family, Kitt remains in remission and continues to attend yearly check-ups at GOSH, a testament to his resilience and the world-class care he received.
In light of his grandson’s journey, Brandreth has become a passionate advocate for cancer research and treatment, particularly in the realm of childhood cancer. He is currently supporting the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity’s campaign to fund the new Children’s Cancer Centre, which aims to further advance the treatment and care for children diagnosed with cancer. The new center, he explains, is crucial for providing the specialized care that children like Kitt need in their fight against cancer.
As we approach World Cancer Day, Brandreth’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional and physical toll that cancer can take on families, as well as the importance of ongoing research and advancements in medical care. The support of charities like GOSH Charity, which not only funds essential research but also provides crucial support services for families, is vital in helping families navigate the challenges of childhood cancer.
In addition to raising awareness, Brandreth’s personal experience highlights the importance of remaining hopeful and trusting the medical professionals who dedicate their lives to saving children. “It’s a journey no one should have to take, but if you do, you can take comfort in knowing that there are places like GOSH, and people who truly care, who will walk with you every step of the way,” he said.
