My amazing cousin Rachel underwent a Lung Transplant in May 2012 after a 12 year battle with a rare Leukaemia at the age of 16 followed by having to undergo a bone marrow transplant which then eventually led to organ failure thus requiring a transplant.

Ever since and for many years family and friends have organised various charity events to raise money for the likes of The Anthony Nolan Trust, NHS Organ Donation and Live Life Then Give Life as well as in general celebrating the strength and passion for life that Rachel has shown.

The annual balls have included 'The Oscars’ in 2014 and 'Great Gatsby' in 2015, there’s been Christmas Fairs with special appearances from our favourite Frozen characters, lockdown Quiz and Music nights, Treks all over the world, Zumbathon’s, Michael Buble Gigs, Fashion Shows and much more! All the money raised at these events over the years has donated to ‘Live Life Give Life’, the charity that helped Rachel get on to the organ donor register and then also ‘Newcastle Upon Tyne Freeman Hospital – NHS Transplantation Ward’ that looked after Rachel and her family throughout the whole transplant experience as well as ‘The Anthony Nolan Trust’ who supported Rachel find her bone marrow donor! 

From all the hard work, determinantion and rigorous planning of these events, Rachel is now a Trustee for LLGL, an achievement and recognised status for all of her hard work supporting the charity. She attends regular meetings to discuss with the team 'what's next in the world of charity events', Rachel has even appeared as Miss May in the charity's very own 2015 calendar along with making a further appearance in the December 2016 calendar as well! 

COVID hit and the fundraising team couldn’t do much in the way of social activities for quite some time! Rachel did however have her sights set on something else very special that she was planning, and in September 2021 Rachel finally married her partner Ben, it was the perfect day! #LoveAlwaysWins 

2022 was another milestone year for Rachel as we celebrated her 10th year post transplant!! 

Rachel, amongst many others, has overcome a lot, she is an inspiration and she never ever gives up ... and so this is why I have set up this page to allow those that want to get involved to donate towards such an amazing Charity whilst at the same time joining in to celebrate with us all! 

Thank you 

Catherine & of course Rachel xx