Blood Cancer Uk is  a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. They do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, they’ve  invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, the community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day they will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.

I didn’t know much about blood cancer until February this year but since then I’ve realised the large number of people who are diagnosed with blood cancer each year and the amazing work these charities do in funding research to improve treatments and save lives. 

Throughout January my mum had started to feel really tired and at the beginning of February she decided to see a doctor as no matter how much sleep she got she was still exhausted. The doctor took a blood sample during the appointment and my mum went home to await the results. Later that day she received a phone call which shocked us all and was the beginning of a difficult few weeks and months - she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia! 

My mum was admitted to hospital 2 days later, underwent bone marrow sampling and began oral chemotherapy along with other medications to reduce her white blood cells and platelets which the doctors said were worryingly high. She was extremely lucky she hadn’t suffered a heart attack or a stroke with her blood levels the way they were.

She was discharged from hospital a week later and weekly blood tests and a daily cocktail of drugs continued as the doctors worked to bring the leukaemia under control. Slowly she started to feel more like herself again.

Fast forward 6 months later and her blood levels have normalised and are remaining stable, her leukaemia is under control and she is heading towards remission. She will most likely be on chemotherapy medication for life but she will have the rest of her life to live thanks to the effective treatments made possible by Blood Cancer UK and other charities. 

As a family we are so pleased these treatments are possible and that’s why I want to raise money for Blood Cancer UK to ensure more people can survive Blood Cancer year on year.

I have taken on the 30 day burpee challenge doing 30 burpees a day for 30 days. If you’ve ever done a burpee you’ll know this won’t be easy or fun! I’ll also be completing the Strathdon Ranch Ramble Adventure Run on the 3rd of October, this is a 7km obstacle race at Strathdon Ranch in the Cairngorms. 

All donations are going to a brilliant charity and are very much appreciated. Thank you!