Nick Clegg and Miriam González Durántez speak out about their son’s blood cancer diagnosis for the first time

Nick Clegg and Miriam González Durántez featured as a guests on ITV’s Lorraine show this morning and spoke publicly for the first time about their son’s blood cancer diagnosis. The former Deputy Prime Minister and his wife explained how their oldest son Antonio was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last year.

The couple told host Lorraine Kelly that Antonio, now 15, initially found a small, painless lump in his neck. An ultrasound scan and biopsy revealed stage 2 lymphoma and he was treated with four monthly cycles of chemotherapy, a course of heavy steroids and a barrage of medication. They said that their first reaction to Antonio’s diagnosis was an “overwhelming wish” to take the cancer away from their son and take it on themselves.

Read Nick and Miriam’s exclusive blog for Bloodwise

The couple’s appearance coincides with tonight’s launch of our new report, Childhood blood cancer; the quest for a kinder cure. In their written preface to the report, Clegg and González Durántez explain that Antonio was taking up to 20 tablets a day and that his treatment resulted in complete hair loss, vomiting and extreme fatigue.

The report highlights the urgent need for more research to find better, less toxic treatments for children with blood cancer. Current childhood blood cancer treatment is brutal, can last for years, and in addition to hair loss, vomiting, and fatigue can result in extended periods away from school, isolation, infertility, and an increased risk of further cancer in adulthood.

Download the full report, which has been launched as part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month.