A teenage rugby player from Maesteg has been told his cancer has returned just days after celebrating being declared cancer-free with his teammates. Ethan Griffiths, 14, was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma in January, a fast-growing form of cancer, and underwent months of intensive chemotherapy. On May 29, he celebrated with his Bridgend Athletic RFC teammates at their annual presentation, where he was presented with a bell to ring. However, on the following Sunday, he fell ill again and was rushed to hospital, where doctors delivered the heartbreaking news that the cancer was back.
Family's Devastation
His father, Lloyd, described the family's struggle to cope with the "pain and grief" of the relapse. He said Ethan, despite being the "baby of the family," is a "6ft warrior" determined to beat cancer again. The teenager, who plays number eight for Bridgend Athletic and striker for Llangynwyd Rangers, was the third-top goalscorer for his football club despite only playing for two months this season.
Clinical Trial Hope
Ethan is currently at Bristol Children's Hospital, where doctors hope he will be well enough to join a clinical trial targeting Burkitt's Lymphoma. Lloyd explained that while the initial prognosis was highly curable, relapses are rare and aggressive, reducing survival chances to about 50/50. The family is now focused on getting Ethan into the trial alongside a more stringent chemotherapy regimen.
Previous Ordeal
Ethan first complained of abdominal pain in October, which worsened over time. After multiple GP visits, a CT scan revealed intestinal intussusception, leading to emergency surgery on January 14. A biopsy confirmed stage three Burkitt's Lymphoma. He completed chemotherapy on May 15 and rang the bell at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital, only to relapse weeks later.
Community Support
A fundraiser set up by Sarah Williams, mother of a teammate, aims to ease financial pressure on Ethan's parents, who are out of work to care for him. The family has received support from rugby and football teams across south Wales, with Ethan's under-14s teammates shaving their heads in solidarity. Lloyd expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by strangers and medical staff at both hospitals.
