The parents of a 13-year-old boy who tragically died from a rare bone cancer are urging others to trust their instincts, after their son's only initial symptom – a limp – was mistaken for a sports injury.
A Limp Dismissed as a Hamstring Strain
Frank Cleal, from Hereford, began developing a mild limp in April 2019. His parents, Emma and Ed Cleal, assumed it was related to a tumble he had taken during a rugby match. "He had a very mild limp, we thought nothing of it and he didn't," said Emma, 46. "Coincidentally, he had a fall in rugby and we thought it was probably that."
In May 2019, a GP diagnosed Frank with a hamstring strain and prescribed exercises. However, the limp persisted and became more pronounced. "The exercises weren't helping," Emma recalled. With growing concern, she took Frank back to the doctors.
The Devastating Diagnosis
Following an X-ray and an MRI scan in June 2019, Frank was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. A tumour was discovered in his right femur. Remarkably, the limp was his sole symptom; he had no night sweats, weight loss, or other typical warning signs.
Frank embarked on an intensive treatment plan, enduring around nine to ten months of chemotherapy. Surgeons replaced the bone in his leg with a metal prosthesis, from his femur down to his shin, and he courageously learned to walk again. He finished chemotherapy in March 2020.
A Family's Mission to 'Be More Frank'
Tragically, the cancer spread to Frank's other leg and, after a relapse in November 2020, to his lungs. He was declared terminal in February 2021 and passed away shortly after.
Determined to create a legacy for their son, Frank's family established 'Be More Frank', a charitable fund under the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust. To date, it has raised over £300,000, providing grants to support families facing childhood cancer across six counties: Herefordshire, Powys, Monmouthshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Ceredigion.
"When Frank was ill, I give or take lived in hospital with him for months," Emma explained. "There are so many costs with transport, food and hotels... To be worrying about bills is not right at a time like that."
Emma now passionately supports the Trust's 'You Know Them Best' campaign, which aims to increase awareness of childhood cancer symptoms. Her central message to other parents is clear: "Had I known an unexplained limp could have been anything sinister, maybe the outcome could have been different... If you're really not sure, trust yourself and go to the doctors. Please read up the signs of childhood cancers, knowledge is power for this."
