On Saturday 27 March 2021, as dusk falls, Linda Whitworth from the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Branch, accompanied by her daughter, Kate Harper, and Jasper, the family assistance dog, are braving the weather to complete a 5 km Virtual Walk of Light together to raise money for Blood Cancer UK.

Linda has volunteered for the Charity (originally known as The Leukaemia Research Fund) for the last 46 years, several years before Kate was born. In her early years, Kate remembers waving her mother goodbye as Mum ventured forth across Morecambe Bay, or organized a Children’s Bikeathon along the Wyre Cycle Path, or stood outside collecting on Flag Days.   

As Kate grew older, she joined in with these activities as well!!

Linda’s first encounter with leukaemia was in the 1950s, when a small boy at her church died from the disease. In those days, treatment was minimal, and death practically inevitable.
Nowadays, the future is much more hopeful for those diagnosed with blood cancers. Research has resulted in many being cured, and others living well long-term on maintenance treatment.

Blood Cancer UK aims to beat blood cancer, of which there are 137 different types, within the next 30 years – so please, if you are able, support Linda and Kate, plus Jasper to help that target come to fruition.

Many grateful thanks
Linda Whitworth and Kate Harper

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