Ben Peters, a 24-year-old man from Swansea, has been battling acute lymphatic leukaemia for the past two and a half years. Initially misdiagnosed with tonsillitis, Ben’s condition was later revealed to be a fast-progressing and aggressive form of cancer that required immediate treatment. Throughout his challenging journey, one song has been his constant source of support—Westlife’s 2005 hit, You Raise Me Up. The track has accompanied him through the highs and lows of his life, as well as the grueling chemotherapy and cancer treatment.
Ben’s medical journey began in October 2020 when he started feeling unwell. Believing it to be tonsillitis, his doctors prescribed antibiotics. However, his symptoms persisted, and he soon found himself struggling to breathe. In a moment of desperation, Ben called NHS 111 on Boxing Day, and an ambulance was dispatched to his home in Swindon, where he was residing at the time.
Initially, hospital medics stuck with the tonsillitis diagnosis given by Ben’s GP. Nevertheless, further tests revealed a much graver situation—acute lymphatic leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and progresses rapidly. The NHS emphasizes that immediate treatment is necessary in such cases.
Recalling his diagnostic journey, Ben shared, On the Monday, I was sent for blood tests, and we were still convinced it was tonsillitis. By Tuesday, I was told it could be a possible lymphoma, but I needed further tests for confirmation. Fair play to the staff, they didn’t wait around. I had a bone marrow test on Tuesday, and the results came back on Thursday. It wasn’t tonsillitis, and I was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukaemia. Hearing that, my world just shattered really.
Since receiving his diagnosis, Ben has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and cancer treatment. Even though he continues to battle the disease, he remains optimistic and expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, friends, social worker, and the hospital staff. Additionally, he found solace in the music of Westlife, his favorite band, finally achieving his long-standing dream of meeting them in Cardiff.
For years, I’ve wanted to meet Westlife. And when I was diagnosed, I made a bucket list, and meeting them was at the top. When you hear the word ‘cancer,’ you think of death—and that was what I first thought, that I was going to die. So I made a bucket list, Ben explained. I wanted to see them in concert—I’ve seen them three times now—and I wanted to meet them. I’ve been a fan since I was a teenager, I grew up with their music.
Ben reached out to Westlife through social media, explaining his situation and how much it would mean to him to meet them. Nicky Byrne, one of the band members, responded the next day, putting Ben in touch with their manager, Molly. Subsequently, arrangements were made, and Ben and his friend met the band on the day of their performance in Cardiff.
Overcome with excitement, Ben described the meeting, saying, I was absolutely star struck! They were really nice, genuine people that made a lot of time for us. And they smelt so good! ‘You Raise Me Up’ is my favorite song by them. I want it to be played at my funeral, and I forgot to tell them! After I’d chatted with them and was walking away, I ran back to tell them!
When first diagnosed with cancer, Ben compiled a bucket list that included meeting Lovely Laura, a musician, getting a dog, traveling abroad, and participating in the reality show Big Brother. He has already met Lovely Laura twice, traveled to Gran Canaria, and acquired a French Bulldog named Paris. While going on Big Brother is temporarily on hold due to his medication, Ben remains determined to check it off his list.
Despite the challenges he faces, Ben continues to focus on his treatment and live life as normally as possible. Fatigue, fluctuating energy levels, and changes in appetite are some of the side effects he deals with daily. However, Ben wants people to see that he is living with cancer and maintaining a positive outlook. He has discovered a community of support through residential breaks with fellow cancer patients and survivors.
Ben’s journey has taught him to appreciate life’s moments and remain positive amid difficulties. He hopes to inspire others and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles. With his unwavering determination and gratitude for life, Ben continues to overcome the obstacles thrown his way, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can live life to the fullest.
