Healthy 27-Year-Old from Solihull Faces Rare Cancer Diagnosis

Charlie Morgan, a healthy and active 27-year-old from Solihull, was stunned when he received a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a rare form of blood cancer typically uncommon in his age group.

In January 2025, Charlie was rushed to hospital after experiencing persistent night sweats and unexplained weight loss—symptoms his wife Danielle urged him to get checked. Despite his regular rugby playing and overall fitness, blood tests revealed an alarming rise in his white blood cell count.

The diagnosis came on February 4, 2025, after intense testing. CML progresses slowly and can show symptoms such as frequent infections, fatigue, bruising, and unexplained weight loss. Each year, only around 80 people aged 25 to 39 in the UK are diagnosed with this condition, making Charlie’s case particularly rare.

Charlie’s parents, Sean and Rachel Morgan, were away in Asia working when they learned of his diagnosis just a month after visiting him and Danielle in Hong Kong. “Hearing the word ‘cancer’ associated with your child stops you in your tracks,” Sean recalled. Motivated by their son’s battle and the support from his medical teams, Sean and Rachel have ambitiously taken on the challenge of running the London Marathon on April 26, 2025, aiming to raise £40,000 for Leukaemia UK.

After initial treatment, Charlie and Danielle returned to the UK, where he continues care at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Hammersmith Hospital. Charlie is responding well to treatment, which includes targeted therapy tablets, and is now back to working, traveling, exercising, and living life actively in Chiswick.

Reflecting on his journey, Charlie said, “Life is good right now. I try not to dwell on the diagnosis but look forward with hope. If things get tough down the line, I know I have the support of my amazing family.”

Sean and Rachel expressed their gratitude for medical advances in CML treatment and research, crediting Leukaemia UK for their vital role. “This marathon is more than a race; it’s a testament to hope and resilience,” they said.