Dad’s heartbreaking loss sparks mission to save sick kids
Alan Outen still recalls the gut-wrenching moment he found out his 11-year-old son, Aidan, had cancer. “It was devastating… beyond devastating if there is such a thing,” he says.
Aidan was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. Though he’d been feeling unwell, no one expected the grim news in June 2013. In December that year, doctors told Alan Aidan wouldn’t make it to Christmas – but the brave boy defied the odds.
Aidan held on until June 2014. Alan was by his bedside when he died. Now, a carer in Emsworth and former cleaning supervisor and mechanic, Alan is gearing up for a new chapter. Next year, he starts training to become a paediatric nurse.
From grieving dad to nurse in training
“I want to specialise in palliative care for children,” Alan says. Watching the nurses care for Aidan at QA Hospital inspired him to do more than just watch his son suffer.
“I wanted to actually care for my son; I decided to take an IV training course.”
That first step led Alan deeper into caregiving. So devoted was he that Aidan called him his “special nurse.” Alan admits controlling his son’s illness was impossible, but caring for him gave him purpose. “For the first six months, we let doctors lead. Once we knew he was terminal, my wife Emma and I wanted Aidan home with us as much as possible.”
Learning from the ‘A Team’ of nurses
The QA Hospital nurses were a lifeline. “They knew I needed to look after my son and sometimes let me change his bandages under supervision. It meant the world.” Alan even helped give Aidan painkillers and anti-sickness meds towards the end.
After Aidan’s passing, Alan and Emma refused to let his death be in vain.
“Aidan would only complain if he was bored. I realised sick kids need games and books.”
They set up Aidan’s Activity Fund, providing craft packs, activity kits, and even a playroom for children at QA Hospital.
Walking 160km to keep Aidan’s spirit alive
On August 5 and 6, Alan and three friends will walk 160 kilometres, aiming to finish in under 48 hours without sleep, in aid of the charity.
Meanwhile, Alan’s career shift is full steam ahead. At 37, he sat his GCSEs, got accepted to the University of Surrey, and started nursing school.
“I don’t know what I would do without my wife. She’s supporting me and paying the bills. She understands why I’m doing this.”
Choosing to specialise in paediatric palliative care, despite the personal pain, Alan is determined to make a difference. “Someone needs to do it.”
Aidan’s ‘special nurse’ is ready to help many families through their darkest times.
