Kyan Harris is a fighter. Since being diagnosed with cancer two years ago he has fought every step of the way with a smile on his face and a positive attitude.
So when Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe heard the brave 13-year-old was a big fan he was more than happy to call in for a surprise visit – and you can see just how touched they both were.
Kyan was nine when he first started experiencing severe headaches and sickness and having problems with his eyesight.
At the time he was diagnosed with a life-changing illness called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This condition left Kyan, who was once very active, with side effects including loss of sight and he was registered visually impaired in 2019.
But his condition continued to deteriorate and in March 2020, aged 11, he was diagnosed with cancer.
Despite everything – the rounds of chemotherapy, difficult treatments, losing his eyesight, and needing to use a wheelchair – Kyan, who lives in Maesteg with parents Stacey and Robert Harris and 10-year-old sister Esme, has been a tower of strength to his family.
When he was first diagnosed he even set up blog It Is What It Is to help him through his treatment journey and to show others that being scared of the unknown is not an option. Read about Kyan's blog here.
"When I was diagnosed with cancer I wanted to think of a way I could do something so when it was finished I can look back at the memories and see what I've been though and feel good," Kyan said.
Proud mum Stacey, 36, said: "Kyan doesn't complain – he just gets on with it. No matter what he is going through he is always smiling. That gives us the strength – if he isn't complaining then why should we?
"He loves a cup of tea and you know that if he is sitting there drinking his cup of tea he is all right. Every time something comes up he fights back and having Joe visit was a fantastic boost for him. It is about making memories and giving Kyan experiences that help give him the strength to fight on and give us memories we will be able to look back on.."
The boxing legend's visit was organised by children's charity Dreams and Wishes who organise experiences for seriously ill children in south Wales in a bid to give them a little bit of help to fight on.
Stacey said they first learnt about the charity soon after Kyan's cancer diagnosis right at the start of lockdown on March 31, 2020.
"The nurses asked if there was anything we wanted or needed and the charity could be able to help," explained Stacey. "We couldn't really think of anything but then they explained that it wasn't just about buying material goods, it was about providing experiences for Kyan, and they have been amazing.
"The only thing we could think of was some AirPods so we could watch films together while he was in hospital. He asked for them so he could share one of the earpieces with me so we could both hear it.
"Before he was ill Kyan was a really active boy who loved rugby and boxing – all types of sport. The charity has arranged for signed shirts for him, sporting gifts, and Joe's visit was the icing on the cake."
In a video the family took of the the boxer's visit you can hear Kyan's dad Robert tell his son: "See, I told you he would come."
Kyan, who was wearing his favourite Welsh top, says: "I can't believe it. I can't believe I have met you. He is a legend. I can't believe you never lost a fight. You smashed them all."
When Joe gives Kyan a pair of boxing gloves he promises the boxing legend: "I won't do too much damage."
After the visit an elated Kyan said: "I didn't really know Joe was going to come. It was a surprise type of thing. And when he came in and they said it was Joe Calzaghe I was, like, outblown. It was one of the best days of my life and I did not expect it. He was a legend. He was so down to earth. He said I can go to his gym when I'm better and I was landed with that.
"It's got to be one of the most awesome days ever because it's Joe Calzaghe – he's champion."
Boxer Joe, from Newbridge, has had links with the charity since it first started 10 years ago and is happy to help out when he can.
When Kyan first told the charity's boss Tony Curtis that the undefeated champion was a particular favourite of his he got to work.
Stacey said: "Tony was visiting with a signed shirt for Kyan and they got talking about Joe Calzaghe. Tony said he had known the boxer for years. We couldn't believe it when he phoned him up and Joe said he would call straight back.
"He went somewhere quieter and FaceTimed Kyan and Tony and he promised then that he would come to visit."
The visit came after a particularly difficult week for the teen who had recently had his treatment changed.
"Kyan had been very ill and we were worried that he was not going to be well enough to see Joe," said mum Stacey. "We were keeping it as a surprise in case he wasn't going to be able to make the visit but on the morning of the visit he had really perked up.
"When Joe arrived the nurses were here but he was happy to wait. We created a room in the garden for Kyan with a pool table and dart board and Joe was happy to wait there. When the nurses had finished we told Kyan that he had a visitor. Seeing his face light up when he realised it was Joe was magical.
"It was amazing. Joe answered all his questions and we are so grateful to him for taking the time because it means a lot."
Joe, who was extremely moved by the visit, said: "Dreams and Wishes is a charity that has been very close to my heart and I am always happy to help out when I can.
"When Tony called, and I spoke to him and Kyan on the phone, I said that I would come down and brought some signed gloves and bits and pieces with me.
"Kyan is such an amazing lad and it was great spending some time with him. He is such a brave lad and his spirits were high. Being able to help out in this small way is a real blessing."
To find out more about Dreams and Wishes visit here.
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