A GREENOCK student has told how he was left numb with shock after his girlfriend was diagnosed with cancer just weeks after becoming unwell with a chest infection.

Euan McLaughlin, 22, who is studying for a Masters in mechanical engineering at Strathclyde University, was stunned when partner Niamh Caitlin Edelsten, a trainee teacher, was told she had leukaemia.

Niamh only began to feel unwell before Christmas, suffering from a persistent chest infection.

Only a few weeks later doctors told her she had acute myeloid leukaemia.

Euan, who lives with his family in Eldon Street, said: "It was such a shock.

"The four days between Niamh being diagnosed and for the type of leukaemia to be confirmed, everyone, her whole family was in shock.

"I couldn't quite process what she was saying.

"When you hear 'cancer' you think the worst."

The couple have been together for almost five years.

Niamh, 23, who is doing a postgraduate teaching course at Strathclyde, was given two rounds of antibiotics which failed to clear her infection and her health went rapidly downhill.

At first doctors thought it was labyrinthitis, an ear infection that was affecting her balance.

But her temperature surged and she eventually collapsed at home after coming out of the shower, with her lips turning blue.

After more checks by doctors she was sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Euan said: "She had a blood test and doctors said they were significantly worried."

Less than an hour later Niamh was told she had leukaemia.

Euan says his girlfriend is determined to stay positive - and he is doing his bit by supporting a fundraising campaign that has already raised more than £12,000 for charity.

At the exact time Niamh started her first chemotherapy session Euan shaved his head in support.

He said: "Niamh is very positive, she was told it is treatable and she is receiving gold standard chemo."

The pair had hoped to go travelling to Australia or America next year but all future plans are on hold for now.

Euan paid tribute to Niamh and the way she has been so brave about her illness.

He said: "She is one of the most positive and outgoing people I have ever met.

"She's fun and always smiling - her parents and her whole family are amazing, they're all really nice people."

Euan's mum Rhonda added: "Niamh is a lovely person, she is part of our family.

"I feel as if it is my daughter."

Restrictions over Covid and the fact that Niamh's immune system is compromised mean that she isn't allowed visitors at hospital and the only time her parents were allowed in to see her was on the night of her diagnosis.

Brave Niamh is keen to raise awareness by sharing her symptoms.

She said: "The first warning sign was a chest infection which didn't clear after two rounds of antibiotics.

"I was very tired, breathless, had night sweats and bruising frequently and very easily.

"The second warning sign was a 51-day gap between periods and when it came it was very heavy.

"During this I was fainting, ghostly pale and very dizzy, which are also symptoms.

"When I came to the hospital, I thought they were going to tell me I was anaemic and send me home, never would I have thought I would end up here and in this situation.

"It's so important to raise awareness about this as so many people don't know the symptoms of blood cancers and could end up in a situation like me - shocked and scared.

"It's only the beginning of my fight but I am giving it my all and have the best and strongest team backing me all the way which I am so grateful for."

Niamh's family and friends have rallied round, and a charity challenge set up following Niamh's diagnosis in aid of Blood Cancer UK invites people to run 50k during February.

Euan is among the 117 runners signed up.

Anyone who would like to do the fitness challenge or donate should visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rebecca-boyle14