On the 24th of July 2019, after being mysteriously ill for 18 months, Elspeth was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after a biopsy of a lump on her neck proved cancerous. The PET scan and symptoms meant the cancer was already advanced, meaning enduring 12 doses of harsh chemotherapy. Hodgkin’s is rare and mainly effects young adults between 16 and 35. Around 2100  people a year in Britain are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s each year, making it sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Battling through chemo, Elspeth shaved her Head and donated it to the little princess trust, knowing all the her hair would fall out. She started a blog, @Onceahodgkinsgirl on Facebook, hoping that others will learn what it’s like to be young and living with lymphoma. Elspeth has been left with with life changing effects from Hodgkin’s lymphoma and lymphoma action have been there to support her since the day she was diagnosed.

Thanks to the amazing staff at Cheltenham General Hospital and the Cobalt centre in Cheltenham on  Valentine’s Day 2020 the PET scan finally showed there was no active cancer, meaning she could finally stop having gruelling chemotherapy treatment and start the slow journey to recovery. Elspeth will continue to be monitored every 3 months for the next five years checking for relapse or secondary cancer.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Elspeth is shielding alone away from her family due to the risk of coronavirus to her life. Lymphoma action have been a constant support to Elspeth and her family and will be during her recovery. Due to the pandemic lymphoma action will receive less fundraising due to big events like the London Marathon being postponed.

Whilst Elspeth cannot complete such a challenge, her Mum will take on the 260 mile cycle to try and to raise something to support this fantastic charity. 

Every little helps! Keep calm and cycle on!

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer. We’ve been providing in-depth, expert information and wide-ranging support for over 30 years, helping thousands of people affected by lymphoma. Our work drives improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of lymphoma. We’re here for everyone affected by lymphoma. https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/