Millions moved by Harrison’s story
The story of 24‑year‑old cancer patient Harrison Burkey has captured the nation after his emotional journey aired in episode four of Our Hospital Through Time, a new documentary series exploring the past and present of St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Harrison was rushed to St Bartholomew’s Hospital from Colchester after suffering severe stomach pains. Scans revealed multiple tumours in his stomach, liver and lungs.
Further tests confirmed the disease had spread from a tumour in his testicle.
As one of the UK’s leading specialist centres for complex cancer treatment, Barts admitted Harrison immediately for high‑dose chemotherapy under the care of consultant oncologist Dr Kenrick Ng. Over the next three months, Harrison underwent intensive treatment on ward 5A, supported throughout by his mother, Julie.
In the closing moments of the episode, viewers watched as Dr Ng delivered the results of Harrison’s final scan. After weeks of uncertainty, the news was decisively positive: the secondary tumour in his stomach had begun to shrink.
"I think the chemotherapy has done the job," Dr Ng told him. "Almost all the tumour has shrunk considerably. Time for you to go home."
It marks an important first step. Following his strong response to treatment, Harrison is now focused on rebuilding his strength as he prepares for surgery, the next stage of his cancer care.
For Julie, the relief was overwhelming. "Extremely proud of my bloody brilliant son,” she said. “It’s just amazing. We did win the lottery coming here, the life lottery."
Harrison, visibly moved, said he was "really hopeful for the future and being able to live the rest of my life normally."
The moment resonated far beyond the hospital walls. A clip of Dr Ng sharing the good news was posted on Barts Health’s social media channels, where it quickly became one of the Trust’s most‑viewed videos of all time. More than one million people have watched it on Facebook alone, and the TikTok version became Barts Health’s most‑viewed clip ever. Thousands of comments poured in, with viewers offering support, sharing their own experiences and praising Harrison’s courage.
Among the responses were two messages that stood out. Harrison’s mum wrote: "Harrison’s mum here — overwhelmed by the inspirational messages. He is recovering well and ready for the next step. x"
Harrison himself added: "Hi all! Harrison here. Just want to thank you for all the inspiring and lovely comments. I’m recovering well and getting my life back on track."
Alice Roberts: Our Hospital Through Time airs Wednesday nights at 8pm on Channel 5. Watch the clip below or catch up on the series.
Pictured (top): Harrison and mum Julie after receiving the good news; and middle: Harrison when he arrived at St Bartholomew's Hospital for his treatment.
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