Home   Weald   News   Article

Benenden Primary School pupil from Cranbrook meets Boris Johnson to mark World Cancer Day

A 10-year-old schoolboy who battled cancer has met Prime Minister to ask for improvements to NHS staff training.

Josh Harrison, from Cranbrook, chatted with Boris Johnson about Greek mythology and sat in the PM’s cabinet room chair, when he visited Downing Street.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed Greek mythology with 10-year-old schoolboy Josh Harrison. Picture: No10 Crown Copyright
Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed Greek mythology with 10-year-old schoolboy Josh Harrison. Picture: No10 Crown Copyright

The Benenden Church of England Primary School pupil fell ill just before his second birthday and was taken to the doctor numerous times before he was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer.

By that time the disease had spread to his lungs.

Following rounds of chemotherapy and two operations to remove one of his kidneys and part of his lung, Josh is now fit and well.

During the visit, to mark World Cancer Day, Josh and a group of Cancer Research UK campaigners asked Mr Johnson to commit to train and employ more NHS staff to diagnose cancer earlier.

Mr Johnson told campaigners: “Catching cancer early is the key thing we have to crack”.

Josh Harrison and his mum, pictured second and third from the right in front row, travelled with Cancer Research UK campaigners to meet Boris Johnson. Picture: ©No10 Crown
Josh Harrison and his mum, pictured second and third from the right in front row, travelled with Cancer Research UK campaigners to meet Boris Johnson. Picture: ©No10 Crown

Speaking about his trip, Josh said: “I got to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair, which was amazing.”

Josh’s mum, Karen Harrison, 44, said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although Josh is naturally shy, Boris chatted to him about the book he was reading, which was about Greek mythology.

“Boris told him about how, when he was young and his parents were talking to other adults, he’d get a book out too.

“Afterwards, Josh told me this meant he could be a future PM.”

Mrs Harrison, who works at a law firm, added: “Josh has always been a very happy and energetic child who doesn’t let anything stand in his way.

"Even when he was sick during the treatment, he carried on like nothing was wrong.

“We had to put on a brave face for Josh and keep things normal for him.

"He helped us do that, he was our inspiration.

Read more: All the latest news from Weald

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More