As you’ll all know, my life changed dramatically on 16th September 2022. I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Long story short, I’m undergoing chemotherapy and I’m already starting to lose my hair. That’s when the idea hit me: I’m going to shave my hair off anyway, so why not raise some money for charity in the process?

The Stars Appeal is Salisbury District Hospital’s charity. It supports both patients and staff by investing in the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment; offering free Wi-Fi (a godsend for me in the last month!); volunteers who help out the nurses and healthcare assistants in giving out tea, coffee and hot chocolate; relaxing music on the ward once a week; and much more besides. You can find out more about what the Stars Appeal does for Pembroke inpatients and outpatients here: https://starsappeal.org/our-work/pembroke-unit-cancer-support/

The treatment and care I’ve received so far has been brilliant. The road is long but I’m hoping this little fundraiser will be the start of my expression of thanks and gratitude as I begin this new chapter in my life.