The love a parent has for their child is one of the most intense bonds any human being could have. We bring them into existence and we make it our mission in life to protect them as much as we can.
However some things happen that are beyond our control, and we can’t protect them from it. The world is a dangerous place. There are car crashes, shootings, natural disasters, and illnesses everywhere we look.
This was what the parents of 5-year-old Charlie Procter faced when he was diagnosed with a rare cancer known as hepatoblastoma. This attacks the liver, but in Charlie’s case, it quickly managed to spread to his lungs.
According to iNews, the Lacashire, England-based youth first became ill at the age of 3. It was then reported by People Magazine that the cancer went into remission, but the illness eventually made its way back.
Charlie’s parents have fought desperately to find a cure for their sick child, and they soon came into the national spotlight. Soon a variety of celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres encouraged others to help Charlie’s parents find a cure.
Over 18,000 people donated money to the struggling family, but his health took a turn for the worse in October. Charlie’s mom Amber Schofield took to her Facebook Group, Charlie’s Chapter, to detail her son’s battle.
She wrote that he “deteriorates more and more” with each passing day: so much so that “he no longer looks like Charlie.” He had become rail-thin to the point that his bones were visible. A far cry from what was once a chunky, happy child.
The most heartbreaking update came right before Charlie’s untimely death. Amber wrote that the illness was taking a toll on him emotionally. The young Charlie told his mom “I don’t know what to do anymore.” It was at then that Amber’s heart broke completely.
Just hours before dying Charlie turned to his mom and told her, “Mummy, I’m so sorry for this.” It was later on that night of November 9 that Charlie passed away in his sleep. He died while wrapped in his heartbroken parents’ loving embrace.
‘He fell asleep peacefully cuddled in my arms with daddy’s arms wrapped around us. Our hearts are aching. The world has lost an incredible little boy.’
After Charlie passed away Amber wrote that he wasn’t just her and her husband’s inspiration, but he’s inspired thousands all over the world. She then wrote that Charlie showed her “what love really means.” She then praised Charlie’s bravery in fighting cancer. “Now it’s time to fly away.”
