The Menai-Davis family suffered an unimaginable loss in September 2021 when their six-year-old son, Hugh, passed away after a brief but courageous battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.
Hugh was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in soft tissue. Despite the grim prognosis, he fought valiantly for six months. In May 2021, he celebrated a milestone many families long for—ringing the hospital bell after being declared cancer-free.
Tragically, just months later, the cancer returned. This time, it was unstoppable.
His parents, Frances and Ceri, have since shared their heartbreaking story in the hope of helping other families recognize the early warning signs of serious illness. Before Hugh’s diagnosis, the only noticeable symptom was a swollen stomach.
Concerned, they took Hugh to the hospital. Doctors initially believed it was a viral infection and advised there was no cause for alarm. But his condition didn’t improve. The swelling persisted, and it became clear that something more serious was going on.
“When we returned to the hospital for further testing, our lives changed forever,” Frances told MailOnline. “The consultant said, ‘We think Hugh’s got cancer.’”
As the disease progressed, fluid buildup in Hugh’s abdomen began to press on his lungs, making it difficult for him to breathe. The family tried to stay strong for Hugh, choosing not to share the severity of his condition with him.
“We cried behind closed doors,” Frances said. “Fear is learned, so we didn’t want him to see us scared. He never complained—he just got on with it.”
Chemotherapy initially brought signs of hope. Hugh’s health seemed to improve, and in May, doctors declared him cancer-free. For a brief moment, the family believed the worst was behind them.
But just three months later, the cancer returned—and this time, nothing more could be done. Hugh passed away only a few weeks later.
What began as a seemingly harmless symptom—abdominal swelling—ultimately led to the loss of their child. Now, Frances and Ceri are urging other parents to trust their instincts and seek medical attention if something doesn’t feel right.
“No one knows your child better than you,” said Hugh’s father. “Most of the time, it’s nothing serious—but if it’s not, catching it early can make all the difference.”
In Hugh’s memory, Frances and Ceri founded It’s Never You, a charity dedicated to supporting families with children facing cancer.
