My daughter Alice and I will be walking the Camino Frances in June 2024 and raising money for the Exeter Leukemia Fund (ELF).

In 2008 I was diagnosed with a rare incurable blood cancer, which is being managed with drug therapy and medical interventions. At the time of diagnosis I had two young children aged 8 and 3 years but was determined to live a full and active life.

Since 2011, I have been under the care of the Haemotology Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where my current medication is Chemotherapy by way of tablets and a new drug which targets the protein that affects my illness, which I will continue to be on through the walk.

I have always wanted to undertake the Camino Frances pilgrimage but the illness and then Covid intervened however now I feel able to complete the last 116km of the walk. I am blessed with the support of family, friends and my church in my life, and Alice my daughter will be accompanying me.

I would like to raise funds for ELF during this challenge to acknowledge the work they undertake across the Haemotology Unit in supporting all those who have blood cancers. Across the years they have been there for me, providing kindness, tea and biscuits especially during treatment and they offer those without transport a lift, provide access to training courses for specialist staff in the unit and provide specialist equipment to make our treatment easier. They have been there to provide counselling, not just to patients but the wider family and are available to offer support, advice both legal and financial to those patients and families in need.

The smallest things mean the most when you are vulnerable and the volunteer members of ELF have been truly wonderful to me over the years as well as the Drs and Nurses and supporting staff who have been pretty special too.

We would really appreciate if you would support us on this challenge and donate to ELF so that they can continue to deliver these services providing support and kindness to so many people, well into the future.

ELF have been there for me. Help me to keep them in the lives of all our Patients.

Don’t forget – if you earn and pay tax to press the Gift Aid box so that even more money can go to this wonderful Charity.