11 January 2023 , 07:33
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A dad who went into hospital when he was bitten by an insect was shocked when tests showed he had leukaemia.
Joe Beckwith, 34, was bitten by the unknown bug in October and when it did not heal his sister Leanne advised him to call 111.
The call handler advised him to go to hospital immediately where doctors took blood for tests.
A few hours after he got home however he was called back where he was given the shock diagnosis he had blood cancer, reports Leeds Live.
Sister Leanne said: “Our world came crashing down.
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“It's been awful - I wouldn't wish it on anybody. If he hadn't gone in he wouldn't have a clue - he didn't have any other symptoms but some night sweats he'd brushed off.
Joe was taken to the haematology department in the Bexley Wing at St James's Hospital (jpg.group)"He couldn't see his kids at Christmas - he hasn't been able to see one of them that lives in Liverpool since he was diagnosed. We were all ill over Christmas and because his immune system is so weak it was too dangerous for him to see them.
"It's been really tough and terrible to see. He's so strong and getting through it - it would mean the world to us just to be able to help him a little."
Joe was given antibiotics for the bite before starting chemotherapy on October 27 in the Haematology department in the Bexley Wing at St James's Hospital.
In December he was told his leukaemia was in remission although he is currently undergoing constant blood and platelet transfusions everyday.
Doctors say Joe is in remission, although he still requires daily transfusions (Getty Images/iStockphoto)To start his next round of chemo, his extremely low platelet count will need to be much higher.
As he is unable to work while undergoing treatment his fiancée Ellie's mum Joanne suggested raising money with the whole family pledging to do more than 10,000 steps a day during February.
It has so far raised around £1,500.
Leanne added: “He's very tired and very weak, but he's keeping his spirits up. He can't do day-to-day things like go out for a walk as he gets too tired.
“Doctors have advised him not to go out really because his immune system is so low at the moment.
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“He's just seeing the same four walls everyday, but he's taking it all in his stride.
"There's such a massive financial burden from cancer. We really wanted to do something to help Joe so they don't have to just rely on Ellie's income and he can pay his bills.
"It'll just make things a bit easier for him and his family so he can focus on his health. We don't want him panicking he can't pay the bills.
"Joe says everyone in the Bexley wing is so lovely, so he wanted to do something for them too.
“So half the money we raise will go to him and half to the Bexley wing."