A TEENAGE cancer survivor invited to the King’s coronation as recognition for his work raising awareness of the disease has urged His Majesty “stay strong . . . you’re not alone”.
Sahil Usman, 18, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was just 13, encouraged Charles to speak to other sufferers to help him stay motivated.
The youngster, from Blackburn, was invited to the see the King crowned in May in recognition of his work for which he received the British Empire Medal.
He coordinated a cancer awareness campaign centred on the impact of the disease on young people and supported the vulnerable during lockdown.
On hearing of the King’s diagnosis, Sahil told The Sun: “It’s really shocking.
“It’s upsetting.
“I can remember when the King was literally crowned and walking past me.
“Just seeing all of it now, finding out he’s going to have a battle through cancer, and it’s not that long since the Queen passed away. It’s heartbreaking.”
“I hope he can recover from it and stay strong.”
Sahil added: “When I was diagnosed I didn’t know anything about it.
“I thought cancer meant the end of life.
“I can still remember my experience of being told.
"The way your heart gets shattered into many pieces.
“I can imagine how the King must have felt when they told him.
"The fact he’s had to hear the words is just unimaginable.
“What kept me motivated was thinking about other people, seeing them around me.
"Many patients are going through cancer and when you know there’s others you become stronger, the weight is pulled off your chest.
“When people come together to battle this it becomes a lot easier.
"The King can try speaking to other people going through the same thing, just become each other’s strength.”
Sahil went on: “It’s always been about community for the King.
"I was honoured with a British Empire Medal.
"He invited people from different communities and recognised those who’ve done community work.
“Community is a big part of him and his reign so hopefully the country can get behind him.
"He is strong.
“He will battle through this.”
Sahil’s mum Shanaz Sardar, 51, added: “I hope he can recover soon.
"When I first found out about my son, it turned my life upside down.”
