On March 15th 2007, at the age of 7 1/2 I was diagnosed with Leukaemia. I had an aggressive form of the disease and to begin with I didn’t respond to treatment. As a result I was given the highest levels of chemotherapy for 3 1/2 years. Due to the high levels of chemotherapy I received I unfortunately suffered some incredibly rare side effects. These included immunity issues, a bone crumbling disease, liver disease, reduced lung function, hormone and growth issues. After all of this I was at a high risk of relapse. Relapse within the first 3 years after treatment ended would have meant the need for a bone marrow transplant. Thankfully I didn’t relapse and I have remained cancer free now for 8 years.
I am now well and am studying music at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Having not been the slimmest and fittest of people, I have also started to take more care of what I eat and have started running. I have enjoyed running so much that I decided to train for the London Marathon. While I was unwell my Dad, Aunt and Uncle all ran the marathon to raise money for Children with Leukaemia. (Now Children with Cancer UK). And now it’s my turn. I hope to help raise money for a charity very close to my heart. It’s my turn to give something back and to help fund vital specialist research to help save the lives of other children with cancer. Any donations towards my fundraising would be so amazing, and feel free to ask any questions.
I have also decided to run the Leicester half marathon in October in order to help train for the marathon.