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Coventry University helps leukaemia survivor fulfil childhood dream of becoming a nurse
Children’s nurse Dan Laird, pictured on the Children’s Ward at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust.
University news / Student news / Alumni news
Thursday 02 April 2026
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Childhood cancer survivor Dan Laird has fulfilled his lifelong ambition of becoming a children’s nurse.
Dan was diagnosed with leukaemia, which affects the blood and bone marrow, at just six years old and spent three years undergoing intensive treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Now 33 and still in remission, Dan completed his Children and Young People’s Nursing degree at Coventry University in January 2026 and stepped straight into a nursing role on the Children’s Ward at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust.
Inspired by his childhood care, Dan wants to give back to the NHS and help others facing similar journeys.
I don’t remember much because of the chemotherapy but my mum has told me how difficult it was. At first they thought it was a virus but when my symptoms worsened my parents took me to A&E where they quickly identified what was wrong and sent me to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The care I received there is a big part of why I wanted to become a children’s nurse.
Dan Laird, children’s nurse and former Children and Young People’s Nursing student at Coventry University
Dan’s treatment included a clinical trial and he still attends Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham due to long‑term heart affects 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. I just want to give back the care I received. I hope I can be a source of reassurance for children and parents because I’ve been through it and I understand what that journey is like.
Dan Laird, children’s nurse and former Children and Young People’s Nursing student at Coventry University
After years of working in hospitals, children’s hospices and community care, it was the Covid‑19 pandemic - and a 12‑week period of isolation due to being clinically vulnerable - that convinced Dan to begin his nursing degree at Coventry University in 2023.
I struggled academically. With practical assessments I excelled because of my healthcare background. The written work was tough but I never stopped asking for help, and the support from my lecturers, the Centre for Academic Writing and sigma got me through. Missing so much school during treatment left gaps in my maths and English but getting my qualifications, then my BTEC and now my degree shows how determined I am.
Dan Laird, children’s nurse and former Children and Young People’s Nursing student at Coventry University
Dan, who is from Lichfield but now lives in Dudley, hopes more men consider nursing - especially in paediatrics.
When I was a child, the nurse who looked after me was male and he really stood out. There’s such a need for more male nurses, especially for people who might feel more comfortable talking to a man.
Dan Laird, children’s nurse and former Children and Young People’s Nursing student at Coventry University
Dan says age should never be a barrier to what you want to achieve.
You’re never too old to go into nursing. 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.
Dan Laird, children’s nurse and former Children and Young People’s Nursing student at Coventry University
Find out more about Coventry University’s health and community wellbeing expertise and how you can begin your nursing journey.
