News stories

When 73-year-old Nick Harris from Solihull first developed pain in his upper gum, he never imagined it would lead to the most difficult year of his life.

After receiving dental treatment, Nick began to experience numbness across his jaw and cheek, prompting a visit to his GP. Recognising that something wasn’t right, his GP referred him to a neurologist for an MRI scan.

On Christmas Eve 2024, Nick received the news that a tumour had been found in his brain. Days later, on New Year’s Day, he suddenly lost the sight in his right eye and was urgently admitted to hospital.

A biopsy confirmed non-Hodgkin lymphoma in both Nick’s head and liver. After three days in hospital, he was discharged, but within four hours he collapsed and was blue-lighted back to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

During his initial stay, he had unknowingly developed C. diff (a bacterial infection), which progressed into sepsis and meningitis. This marked the start of an incredibly difficult period, with Nick spending nearly 50 days in hospital.

During this time, Nick began chemotherapy, but he was so unwell that only a reduced dose was possible. He received three rounds, yet it soon became clear that the cancer was not responding to the treatment.

Then, in March, just three days before his birthday, Nick and his wife, Lynne, were given the devastating news that Nick’s cancer was terminal.

His medical team continued to explore every possible treatment and recommended him for CAR-T therapy, an innovative approach that targets the cancer in a different way from conventional treatments.

Although highly complex and carrying some risks, CAR-T therapy has been shown in trials to successfully treat patients with advanced cancers when other options have failed.

Nick was found to be eligible for CAR-T therapy and began treatment in June. On 23 July, his modified cells were reintroduced into his body to target the cancer directly. Follow-up scans showed the tumour in his liver shrinking, while the results for the tumour in his brain remained uncertain.

Then, on Wednesday 15 October, Nick received a call from his consultant, Dr Paneesha, with life-changing news that he was in remission.

Nick said: “I am now 117 days post CAR-T, cancer-free, and despite the physical and mental rigours of the last eleven months, I am feeling quite well. I have everything crossed for a few more precious years with my family. Lynne and I are looking forward to spending Christmas with our boys and families, and the fun that four grandchildren bring to the day. Our son from Scotland and his family are travelling down to celebrate the fact that I have been given this extra time.”

“The CAR-T therapy team has been supportive emotionally and physically, exceptionally knowledgeable, and unfailingly professional throughout - as have the staff at all levels on wards 624 and 625. Thank you everyone at QEHB who has helped us reach this point, giving us the opportunity for more time - something we weren't sure we would ever have.”

Looking ahead, Nick is focusing on rebuilding his strength and enjoying everyday life. “I’d love to be able to ride my bike again and do 10 press-ups without problem. I’m building my strength up day by day. The other thing I’d like to do is improve my indoor bowling skills. I’ve got some great mates, but I need a lot of practice. Luckily, they are very patient.”

“I am also looking forward to catching up in 2026 with friends and family who have been really supportive with their phone calls and messages and have looked after Lynne throughout my illness.”

Reflecting on their journey, Nick shared: “When I got the diagnosis, Lynne said, ‘Well, we’ve had 55 years no regrets,’ and both of us held onto that - I couldn’t have done this without her, and now we’re hoping for many more years together.”