Ethan Billinge is a 16-year-old currently undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Ethan was kind enough to share his story of how he wishes to pursue his education despite his cancer diagnosis. With the help of UHB Charity-funded education, Ethan is planning for the future.
What are you currently studying Ethan?
After completing my GCSE’s in the early stages of diagnosis, I’ve progressed to studying A-Levels. I’m currently studying Maths, Further Maths and Physics
How have you managed to combine studying with your diagnosis and treatment?
I was lucky when I was diagnosed as I’d actually completed my GCSE courses and we were just doing exam prep, but my teachers were fantastic and they prepared revision notes for me, which they either emailed or had my parents collect. I was able to study during my time as an inpatient. I'd get up at 6:30; revise until around lunch then have the afternoon off, then revise again after evening meal until around 9 pm. I found that this helped to pass the time and alleviated boredom. I thankfully with the hard work of all of the YPU team was able to achieve my goal and take all of my exams in school, albeit in a separate room. I passed all of my GCSE’s with good grades and was able to progress to my chosen sixth form to do my chosen subjects.
I hadn’t been able to attend the induction event at the sixth form, as I was undergoing Chemo at the time, but they were again really supportive and telephoned me to chat about my chosen courses. Although I had enough points to study four A-Levels, I had made my decision that due to the continuation of treatment, realistically that three A-Levels would be more achievable. The head of Lower Sixth understood my decision and was fully supportive.
I’ve only managed eight full days at my new sixth form, but the staff have been great, emailing me work across, so that I can keep up with all of my peers, also on the days when I have been able to attend they have made themselves available both before and after school in order that we can have a chat and I can complete any necessary tests.
Apart from studying, what do you do in your spare time?
Prior to my diagnosis I was a competitive swimmer and competed for the City of Derby Swimming Club. I really miss being able to swim, as I’ve had a PICC line fitted for ease of treatment. I used to train seven times a week, three mornings before school 5-7am, two evenings after school and then two sessions each Sunday.
I’ve been competing since I was eight, after starting swimming lessons at 18 months. I’ve competed all over the country, in a variety of level competitions. I’ve competed at County/Regional and National Level; currently Derbyshire County Champion for 200m Fly and 4 x 200m Free Relay.
My favourite events are 400m Free and 1500m Free, I also enjoy 200m Free and 200m back.
Throughout my treatment, I’ve continued to work with my swimming coach and do “Land Training”, gym work. We have worked together to design a training regime suitable for me whilst my abilities are limited. Due to the PICC line, I’m unable to do weights or arm exercises at the moment. We have worked out a varied regime that will keep my fitness levels and muscles strong for my return to the pool.
My idols are James Guy and Jazz Carlin, and I was very lucky that YPU/Teenage Cancer Trust arranged for a meet and greet with them one of the days while I was undergoing Chemo. It was a great experience and they were both really chatty, it was amazing to see their medals.
What are your ambitions for the future?
Eventually, I’d like to be a Maths Teacher in secondary school but would like to do something before this to get some life experience before heading into the classroom.
Do you have any advice to another young person trying to study whilst undergoing treatment?
I would say is have a clear goal in mind. For me, this was knowing I wanted to be in school for the exams and knowing how many points I needed. Once you have a goal in mind you can be working towards that. Also, don’t overwork yourself, remember you are going through something extremely difficult and if you don’t feel good enough on a day you don’t have to.
Do you think the Education and Employability service offered on the YPU is important?
Definitely. Without this service people who weren’t as fortunate as me (teachers sending work) who still want to work would have a really hard time getting what they need. Also, it allows the people they work with access to new opportunities- for example, there is a trip to the skills workshop at the NEC for all those interested.
What would you like to say to the TCT YPU team on Ward 623?
I would just like to thank them for their flexibility especially around the time of my exams and thank them in general for the excellent care I received throughout my treatment.
