The kindness of strangers: a nurse saw me crying and asked if I wanted a hug | Health & wellbeing

In 2024, I used to be unexpectedly recognized with leukaemia. I used to be 34. I had no signs (none!) and it got here on the worst doable time, though there may be by no means an excellent time.I’m a musician and was one week away from flying to New Zealand to be in a present. I used to be extraordinarily excited concerning the present and, to be organised, I believed I’d get a blood take a look at to examine my iron ranges earlier than I left the nation for 5 weeks.Six hours after the blood take a look at, I bought a name from my physician telling me that one thing was fallacious. I used to be what’s known as neutropenic. In layman’s phrases it meant I had no immune system and I wanted to go to hospital instantly.It made no sense. I had been in Savers, at my nieces’ faculty fete and the pub the day earlier than. The physician mentioned to put on two masks and stand outdoors or I won’t survive an an infection – which gave the impression of a ridiculous overreaction for what I used to be positive was a mixed-up take a look at. It wasn’t. After getting into that hospital I wouldn’t depart it once more for six weeks.At round 7pm that night time I used to be informed I had most cancers (who knew they’ve haematologists in emergency?). The analysis was completely overwhelming. Though my household is wonderful, they weren’t shut by that night time. A buddy had come for a couple of hours to assist translate what the medical doctors have been saying whereas I used to be in a state of shock. However I used to be alone in my hospital mattress once I awakened round 3am and all of it out of the blue hit me. All I may take into consideration was that not solely was I not going to New Zealand, however I additionally had most cancers, and it was going to kill me. It at all times appears to kill individuals within the motion pictures – I encourage you writers to cease doing that. Numerous us reside.As I used to be loss of life spiralling, a nurse walked previous and requested if I used to be OK. I wasn’t. I simply dissolved and, via tears, defined what was occurring. He requested if I needed a hug. I did, and I’ve by no means wanted another in my life. His title was Ben.That night time was in all probability the scariest a part of my entire time with most cancers – I’m now in remission. I by no means noticed Ben once more however his title caught with me via the six weeks in hospital and eight months of chemo. His variety act meant the world to me then, and nonetheless means the world to me now.What’s the nicest factor a stranger has ever achieved for you?Share your experienceFrom making your day to altering your life, we wish to hear about  likelihood encounters which have caught with you. Your responses, which will be nameless, are safe as the shape is encrypted and solely the Guardian has entry to your contributions. We are going to solely use the information you present us for the aim of the function and we’ll delete any private information once we now not require it for this objective. For true anonymity please use our SecureDrop service as an alternative.Present moreIf you’re having bother utilizing the shape click on right here. Learn phrases of service right here and privateness coverage right here