Try GOLD - Free
Celebration shone light at a dark time for Raz
The Journal
|April 29, 2025
A Newcastle man has shared the touching story of how he celebrated his engagement at a Newcastle cancer centre.
Raz Handa, 31, was last summer set to move to Carlisle, where his partner Kathryn lived. Raz was about to start a new job and the couple were looking forward to spending time fell-walking in the Lake District in their time off together.
However, during the England vs Spain Euro 2024 final last July, Raz started to notice something wasn't right. He initially ignored cold and flu symptoms, but when he started getting blood spots on his arm, Kathryn encouraged him to go to hospital.
Medics suspected that Raz’s symptoms pointed to a type of blood cancer, and as he awaited a diagnosis, he proposed to Kathryn from his hospital bed.
She said yes, and the happy couple celebrated their engagement in a rather unlikely place. When Raz received a full diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the Freeman Hospital, the couple went to the Maggie’s cancer care centre in the hospital grounds, in the hope of accessing support.
This story is from the April 29, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
Tuchel won't allow levels to fall short
THOMAS Tuchel loves that England's output and intensity has not dropped - despite ending the year with a pair of dead rubbers having already achieved World Cup qualification.
2 mins
November 15, 2025
The Journal
North East's Frosty's Fish and Chips up for award
THEY'RE known for taking top-tier fish and chips all over the region, and now a mobile North East chippy has made a top three of the best in the UK - and its recognition has put it firmly in the frame for a national title.
1 min
November 15, 2025
The Journal
It's a privilege getting older
Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts opens up to LARA OWEN about loss and why she's done with the pursuit of youth
4 mins
November 15, 2025
The Journal
Assaults on special needs staff tops 200
GATESHEAD Council has recorded more than 200 cases of 'accidental or narrowly missed physical assaults' in schools in 2024-25.
1 min
November 15, 2025
The Journal
FREE £2 BET
Are you ready for a huge day of sport? We've teamed up with William Hill to offer you a £2 free bet.
1 min
November 15, 2025
The Journal
Hospitals await review two years after shock report
HOSPITAL bosses in Newcastle are awaiting the results of a fresh review, almost two years on from a highly critical report.
2 mins
November 15, 2025
The Journal
I love being an OLD stand-up
WRITER AND COMIC BEN ELTON TELLS HANNAH STEPHENSON ABOUT THE TRIUMPHS AND TORMENTS HE HAS EXPERIENCED THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER
4 mins
November 15, 2025
The Journal
IT'S A SUPER-N STAR
Honda has revealed its next chapter in the compact EV market with the Super-N Prototype.
1 min
November 15, 2025
The Journal
It pays to save if you plan to start a family
MONEY EXPERTS TELL LISA SALMON WHAT PARENTS-TO-BE NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR FINANCES
3 mins
November 15, 2025
The Journal
GOOD MOOD FOOD
WHEN you turn on ITV's This Morning to watch Clodagh McKenna, she's fresh off doing a meditation behind the scenes - and probably a dance too.
3 mins
November 15, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size