I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in January 2024 and am currently undergoing treatment. It has been a difficult journey and one which has taken me very close to death in the beginning. The disease is punishing as is the treatment for it; it's complex and needs highly trained medical staff as well as all of the research behind it to give people like me a chance at survival; the rate at which is around 14% at the moment and affects people of all ages.

The scary part is that the symptoms can be nothing more than flu like and depending on how aggressive your AML is, can quickly become life threatening. Only blood tests can spot the disease which is not common place for a flu type virus diagnosis - working with your GP is key to giving you a chance. I was lucky.

I am raising money for Leukaemia UK as they are advancing research for AML and other Leukaemia types to improve people's chances of survival and to make treatment less challenging.

Hope 24 Event

On the 13th July, 4 amazing friends; Jen, Adam, Kev and Rob, will be tackling one of the most challenging endurance races in the country, Hope 24. A non- stop 24 hour relay, their goal will be to push their bodies to the limit and each complete as many 5 mile laps as possible, to raise money for Leukaemia UK.

Their words:

"For us it’ll be the most demanding physical test we could tackle. 5 mile laps across undulating terrain, day & night, rain or shine. Whilst how we deal with running fatigue, aches and pains is unknown, our battles won’t compare to the journey that Alexis is on and how brave she faced the challenges that her cruel diagnoses has brought and the support her family continue to give. She continues to be, and will be on race day, our biggest inspiration! We’re running this race to raise money, to show to support Alexis, her family, and anyone who has been affected by cancer.

Every donation will encourage us to keep going, thanks."

SOUTH WEST WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION (SWWIC) PLYMOUTH WALK

The wonderful women and colleagues at SWWIC will be undertaking a sponsored walk around Plymouth Hoe, the Barbican and area to raise awareness and money for this amazing cause.

The group will be meeting at 1pm on Thursday 23rd May at the Nancy Astor statue with donations of £10 from all participants and those looking to support this great cause. Thank you ladies!

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A little more about the charity and a useful video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hZ2QU5_PSg&t=2s

We are Leukaemia UK. We believe research has the power to stop leukaemia devastating lives.

Despite decades of incredible progress, only half of leukaemia patients live longer than five years after their diagnosis. We won’t stop until we change this.

Bringing together the leukaemia community, we will accelerate progress through life-changing research, awareness and advocacy, doing everything we can to make sure that the next person with leukaemia has the best possible experience of diagnosis, treatment and care.