In memory of Bronwyn Farquharson. 

26/07/2011 -  31/12/2018

4 years ago my niece Bronwyn was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called myeloma aged 6 years old. 

Myeloma mainly affects those over the age of 65.

Sadly Bronwyn passed away on New Years Eve the same year, aged just 7 years old. 

Bronwyn was full of life, and loved creating characters and telling stories. She was an active member of the local roller hockey team and enjoyed watching the Dundee Ducks ice hockey team. Her dad played for them and she surely would’ve joined them too one day.  

No parent should ever outlive their child, and certainly not at that age. 

6 months or so earlier my best friend Marc was also diagnosed with the same condition and is currently in remission and doing well.

I had never heard of myeloma before this and did not quite understand just how life changing it could be. 

Myeloma is a rare and incurable type of blood cancer where DNA is damaged during the development of cells. These abnormal cells then start to multiply and spread within the bone marrow throughout the body.

4 years ago I did a skydive, jumping out of a plane from 13,000 feet along with Lynda (my wife) and Diane (Marc’s wife) 

This September I cycled  from London - Paris (a distance of over 500Km) in 4 days. I endured long days with wind, rain, a lot of sunshine if I’m honest with that final climb towards the Eiffel Tower coming into sight making it all worthwhile, safe in the knowledge that even in these tough times that people were still donating towards this great cause in the fight to find a cure for myeloma  

During my training in the past few years I’ve now cycled over 15,000Km and lost 3 stone in weight in doing so!

Myeloma UK are the only organisation in the UK that focus solely on research to help patients live longer and will one day find a cure I`m sure.

I’m so certain I have walked away from a career I loved to work full time for Myeloma UK now to help them in their plight to find a cure.

But that will only happen If they can continue to fund the research necessary so please please please, even if only a fiver, give what you can to help make a difference.

However much you can donate, It will all be greatly appreciated by myself, Bronwyn’s family and Myeloma UK. 

Please help me raise awareness and as much money for this charity who receive no government support whatsoever.

 Please share this story even if you are unable to donate,  and help raise awareness of this relatively unknown disease and help us make myeloma history.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on Myeloma UK's fundraising events and activities right across the UK; many have been put on hold or cancelled altogether. Unfortunately, their annual London Paris Ride due to take place in September has been one such event and they took the decision a few months ago to reschedule it to May 2021.Myeloma UK still needs to raise as much money as possible during this most challenging of times so I'm taking part in their Virtual London Paris Ride!