Darren was diagnosed with Leukaemia in May 1991 at nine years of age. He endured four years of chemotherapy until February 1995 when he received a Bone Marrow Transplant. Darren remained in reasonable health until 2nd September 1996 when we received the devastating news that he had only two to three months to live.

After the initial diagnosis Darren adapted quickly to cope with the effects of his treatment. He never looked forward to hospital visits but he always made the best of them, playing with other kids, enjoying computer games and being cheeky to the staff. At home Darren never dwelt on his illness nor allowed others to. Anyone who mentioned it would receive a look from him that demanded a change of subject, words were unnecessary. He became two people, one strong and mature, accepting his fate and the other a boy whose zest for life grew stronger and more determined.