In 2021 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at the age of 42 and at Christmas 2021 I was admitted to hospital for 2 weeks to have a stem cell transplant.

A Stem Cell Transplant is an intensive procedure that requires high doses of chemotherapy, followed by an infusion of stem cells, from your own body, or from a donor. It completely resets your immune system and comes with high risks, including infection, sepsis and death.

I have seen people diagnosed with Breast Cancer being given gift boxes from a local charity called Little Lifts, and thought that something similar would be a great way to help people arriving in hospital for a transplant to know that they are not alone.

In November 2024 I self funded a trial of 6 boxes to get feedback on the boxes, and I am looking for funding to continue to provide them for all transplant patients at the NNUH where I had my transplant.

The centre provides 25-30 transplants a year, each box costs around £75-£100 to provide, and I'm trying to raise funds for a full years worth of boxes.

My hope is that eventually these boxes could be provided to more transplant centres, and make the transplant process a little less lonely.