In Feb 2020 a month after this photo was taken, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. I had no symptoms, but a routine blood test showed some abnormal results and a week later I was undergoing intensive chemotherapy and had lost all my hair. Nothing can prepare you for this.

I was so incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity of a complete cure when an amazing stranger from Germany and my only full match on the worldwide stem cell register was prepared to donate her stem cells; I had a stem cell transplant in October 2020 and was in full remission but, after spending this Christmas and New Year without my family in hospital, I have come home to spend my last days at home with everyone I love.

Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer and we need to be the generation that finds a cure. Blood Cancer UK is a charity that funds research and supports people who are affected by blood cancer and are dedicated to beating this awful disease. Sadly I will not be with them but my wonderful family and friends are going to be abseiling off Peacehaven cliffs in May to raise money for this amazing charity. Please support us and give what you can.

Something everyone can do is register on one of the UK stem cell registers to give someone the chance of a cure. Only 30% of patients are able to find a compatible donor in their family so the register is vital in giving people the chance of life as it was for me. There are 2 registers in the UK – DKMS UK which has a registration age of 17 – 55 and Anthony Nolan which has a registration age of 16 – 30. It is a very simple process, costs nothing and if you are found to be a life saving match, donating stem cells is as easy and painless as giving blood.  

https://www.dkms.org.uk/register-now

https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/join-stem-cell-register

I sit here reminiscing on the most incredible memories I have made, how blessed I have been and what a gift it is to be alive. I am so thankful to know so many incredible people that have impacted my life for the better and on our leukaemia journey we have been so privileged to meet some truly amazing people, my consultants, nurses and everyone who has made the last 2 years that little bit more manageable. It has been so humbling and we will never forget you.

Life expectancy from diagnosis for acute myeloid leukaemia is 4 – 6 months so I feel so lucky to have had an extra 2 years of life and we are making sure that in the time I have left, we are all spreading love, positivity, kindness and laughter everywhere we go.   

 Jenny x