'Leukaemia journey inspired me to become a nurse'

A childhood cancer survivor who beat leukaemia has fulfilled his lifelong ambition of becoming a children's nurse.

Dan Laird, 33, who lives in Dudley, was diagnosed with the illness, which affects the blood and bone marrow, when he was six years old and spent three years undergoing treatment including chemotherapy.

Inspired by his care at Birmingham Children's Hospital, he wanted to work in nursing to give back to the NHS and help others facing similar journeys,

"When I was a child, the nurse who looked after me was male and he really stood out," he said.

"There's such a need for more male nurses, especially for people who might feel more comfortable talking to a man."

Laird's treatment as a child included a clinical trial and he still attends Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital due to long‑term heart effects from chemotherapy.

"A lot of what I went through was difficult but I've turned it into something positive, it pushed me towards the career I have today," he said.

Laird began a degree in Children and Young People's Nursing at Coventry University in 2023, before starting a nursing role on the children's ward at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust in January.

The 33-year-old, who is originally from Lichfield, said age should never be a barrier.

"You're never too old to go into nursing," Laird said.

"If the drive is there, just go for it. We all bring something different because of our backgrounds.

"Ask for help, be resilient and find what keeps you grounded. Just don't let age stop you."

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