Student, 20, who received generous Jack Grealish donation dies of leukaemia
A 20-year-old student Dylan Lamb who was given £5,000 by Manchester City star Jack Grealish for his leukaemia treatment has sadly passed away. Dylan Lamb, from Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, died at home surrounded by his family on Saturday evening, his friend Fred confirmed.
Who was Dylan Lamb?
Dylan was diagnosed with Precursor T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in April last year after becoming unwell with back pain while studying international business at the University of Liverpool. He initially thought he had pulled a muscle, but blood tests revealed the devastating news that he had a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
He underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, and was told he was in remission in July last year. He resumed his studies and his normal life, but in June this year, he felt pain in his lower back again and learned that the cancer had returned and was even more aggressive.
His family and friends launched a fundraising campaign to get him to the United States for a clinical trial of CAR-T therapy, which is not available for his age group in the UK. The treatment involves altering immune cells in a laboratory to attach to and kill cancer cells.
The campaign received a huge boost when Jack Grealish, who plays for Manchester City and England, donated £5,000 to the cause in July. Dylan was a Birmingham City supporter, but he was overjoyed by the gesture from his rival team’s player. His mother said the footballer’s support was “tremendous” for her son.
However, Dylan’s condition deteriorated rapidly and he was told he had only “weeks or months” to live. He spent his final days saying goodbye to his loved ones and cracking jokes. He died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, 26 August.
His friends paid tribute to him on social media, saying: “I hope we have done you proud bro and I hope you know that we will always love you.” They also thanked everyone who supported the fundraising campaign and sent messages of love and encouragement.
Heavyweight boxer Frazer Clarke was among those who expressed their condolences online, while Dylan’s aunt Karen posted: “Rest in peace my beautiful darling.”
Dylan’s girlfriend of three years, Phoebe Cole, 20, said: “He was the most amazing person I have ever met. He was so strong and brave throughout everything. He never gave up hope and always had a smile on his face. He was my soulmate and I will miss him every day.”