A young lad who was suffering from cancer managed to not only beat the disease, but also meet his hero - David Beckham.
When he met him he also ensured he had a completely unique visit by face swapping with the football legend.
As a teenager, George Furlong rapidly lost weight, but he put it down to a growth spurt. However, his mum wasn't convinced and knew that something wasn't right. Luckily, she made sure that he went to the doctors. After some back and forth with doctors who wrongly diagnosed him with anaemia, he finally got the correct diagnosis of cancer, aged 17.
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George and his mum.
George said: "I was referred to a doctor who examined me and said something wasn't right. They called me into hospital a week later and kept me in for six nights completing biopsies and other tests. They then said that they were sure it was Hodgkin's lymphoma."
Hodgkin's lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin's disease) is an uncommon type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands that spread throughout the body.
The meeting with Beckham was orchestrated through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. An incredible charity which grants wishes for seriously ill children. As George was 17 when he was diagnosed, he qualified for a wish.
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He really wanted to meet Beckham, but knew that the chances were slim. George said: "I threw around the idea of David Beckham, not really thinking it would have been serious or possible due to the magnitude of his high status."
But it all worked out. A few months later, he was heading to London and preparing to meet his hero. George explained: "He entered the room and all eyes were on me, I went red in the face and got very nervous very quick. He sat on the chair opposite me and we spoke for around 20 minutes. I had the freedom to ask him anything I liked, and after five minutes or so my nerves settled and I started to speak to him as if we knew each other."
Where did the idea of a face swap come from, though?! "I pulled my phone from my pocket and anxiously said: 'I know it's a bit of a strange one, but could I possibly do a face swap with you please? Everyone started laughing, but we got in position and took the photo.
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"After the photo was taken, David was eager to see the results. He said that no-one had ever asked him for a face swap before. But he laughed and seemed to really like the picture!"
Now, around a year later, George is doing 'absolutely fine'. His treatment finished earlier this year and he's currently completing his NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing and Heating.
17 of George's friends shaved their heads in solidarity when he was first diagnosed (not all pictured).
However, I had to ask. What advice does he have for other young people who are going through a similar illness? "My advice for anyone with cancer or undergoing treatment is to always try as hard as you can to maintain a positive mindset and keep looking forward as much as possible. There's no doubt that the situation is bad, but feeling bad and down about it isn't going to change it.
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"For me, it was all about trying to make the best from what I had, don't lose your personality and laughter. People have their down days, but I never once had a negative thought of: 'what if I don't make it?' In my personal experience, trying to stay positive is key and then the rest comes from that."
I've said it before and I'll say it again - fuck cancer.
Massive thanks to George for the inspiring words. What a legend.
Words by Mel Ramsay
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All featured images credit: George Furlong
Featured Image Credit:Topics: David Beckham, Cancer