The kindness of strangers: a nurse saw me crying and asked if I wanted a hug

<p>I had cancer and I was alone in hospital when it all suddenly hit me. I have never needed a hug more in my life</p><ul><li><p>Read more in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/kindness-of-strangers">Kindness of strangers</a> series</p></li></ul><p>In 2024, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with leukaemia. I was 34. I had no symptoms (none!) and it came at the worst possible time, although there is never a good time.</p><p>I am a musician and was one week away from flying to New Zealand to be in a show. I was extremely excited about the show and, to be organised, I thought I’d get a blood test to check my iron levels before I left the country for five weeks.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/08/kindness-of-strangers-nurse-saw-me-crying-asked-wanted-hug">Continue reading...</a>