Sam Selby

03/06/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about having a chronic illness is that if you talk about it, you’re looking for sympathy.

I’m not.

Talking about a chronic condition should be no different to talking about needing glasses, having a bad back, or managing any other aspect of life. It’s simply part of my reality.

Some days I have more energy. Some days I have less. Some days I need to adapt, reschedule, rest, or do things differently. None of that makes me weak, broken, or someone to feel sorry for. It just means I’m human.

The more we normalise these conversations, the easier it becomes for people living with chronic conditions to participate fully in life without feeling like they have to hide their challenges or pretend everything is fine.

Life isn’t about waiting until we’re perfectly healthy, perfectly rested, or perfectly equipped. It’s about learning to adapt, finding what works for us, and continuing to live, love, create, work, laugh, and make memories along the way.

Having a chronic illness is not my entire story. It’s simply one chapter of it.

And the truth is, most people are carrying something. Some challenges are just more visible than others.

So let’s talk about these things openly. Not for pity. Not for attention. But because they’re part of real life, and real life deserves to be spoken about honestly.

27/05/2026

Harvey update 🙏🏼🎗️we are home 🏠

26/05/2026

😞

Ommu spjegat li sfortunatament Harvey għandu infezzjoni!

26/05/2026

Harvey update from pediatric oncology. Day, two part two.

26/05/2026

Harvey update day two part one from Rainbow Ward in Pediatric oncology.

25/05/2026

Harvey is feeling much perkier this evening and thankfully his fever has stayed down. The smiles, the chatter, the little bursts of energy… they feel like tiny victories every single time. 💛

Post-chemo life still comes with the “rush to hospital” panic the second a temperature appears while that port is still in place. And although I’m endlessly grateful for the care we receive, I truly cannot wait for the day we can manage these little bugs and fevers quietly at home, tucked up in our own beds, without the extra inpatient days, monitors beeping, and hospital bags permanently half-packed by the door.

But tonight feels lighter. More hopeful. One step closer to freedom, normality, and simply letting Harvey be a little boy again. ✨

25/05/2026

Post chemotherapy life with a child still carrying a port means the second a fever appears… it’s straight back to hospital and inpatient stays. No “let’s wait and see.” No chance-taking.

Harvey handled it like the absolute warrior he is, but it’s a reminder that even after chemo ends, the journey doesn’t just switch off overnight. We are still navigating the in-between stage… the rebuilding, the caution, the constant monitoring.

But with every hurdle, he gets stronger. And so do we. 💛

21/05/2026

Watching Harvey’s bond grow with The Briefcase Man has been something really special to witness. 🤍

We’ve always believed that life is about more than just existing for ourselves… it’s about showing up for others, spreading kindness, making people laugh, lifting spirits and creating moments that matter. That’s the kind of “playing” I want Harvey to understand. Not just games or toys… but playing with joy, creativity, connection and heart.

This time was different though. For the very first time, Harvey grabbed the camera himself and started recording completely unprompted. No encouragement. No “say this.” No “do that.” Just pure excitement and happiness in the moment.

And I think that says everything.

Their friendship is genuine. They truly enjoy each other’s company, their silliness, their energy, their laughter… and in a world that can sometimes feel heavy, there’s something incredibly beautiful about seeing two people simply make each other happy.

That’s the magic. ✨

And please do vote for The Briefcase Man in the Youth Awards. Anyone who brings this much joy, kindness and positivity into the world absolutely deserves the support. 🤍

https://youthawards.freehour.eu/vote/mental-health-advocate-award

20/05/2026

There’s something slightly ironic about a psychic medium telling people to stop obsessing over the future and come back to the present moment 🤣

For years I was always planning ahead. Strategising. Trying to prepare for every possible outcome. Trying to stay one step ahead of life. But then life humbled me in ways I never expected. It showed me that some things arrive without permission. Some things cannot be controlled, fixed, rushed or predicted away.

And when you’re faced with the things you cannot change… you learn to flow.

Not give up.
Not become passive.
But soften into the moment instead of fighting against it.

Because peace isn’t always found in having all the answers about tomorrow. Sometimes it’s found in the cup of coffee in your hands. The laughter of your children. The music in the kitchen. The sunset. The deep breath. The tiny moment your nervous system finally realises… right now, in this exact second, you are okay.

The present moment is where life is actually happening.
Not in the fear.
Not in the “what ifs.”
Not in trying to control every chapter before it arrives.

So now I trust more.
I breathe more.
I flow more.

And strangely… life feels lighter there.

16/05/2026

After all the chemo comes the great rebalancing act… 🤣

The “what’s safe?”
“What’s not?”
“Don’t lick that.”
“Please wash your hands.”
“Why are boys so sticky?!” phase.

Germs suddenly seem to live EVERYWHERE.
The wipes became an extension of my personality.
Antibacterial spray in every bag.
Hospital bags mentally packed 24/7.

And honestly… where exactly is the cotton wool and bubble wrap meant to keep Harvey permanently protected from the universe?! 😅

But slowly, day by day, it’s changing.
His immune system is rebuilding. Growing stronger.
The panic is easing.
The fear is softening.

And now comes mummy’s next challenge…

Learning to chill out and let him actually be a little boy again.
To climb things.
Run wild.
Get grubby.
Cause chaos.
And probably eat food that’s fallen on the floor before I can stop him. 🤦🏼‍♀️

After years of survival mode, that freedom feels magical… and mildly terrifying all at the same time. 💛