Team Members: Barbara & Steve Pavey, Ashley & Lisa Dent, Nathan Pavey, Joanna Ellis & Connie, Sam, Sophie & Teddy Smith, Liam Smith, Emma Hayward, Emelia & Ivy.

Hi, I'm Lisa and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, which is one of many different types of Blood Cancer, in 2006.

After 6 months of chemotherapy, I was declared to be in remission and started to get on with the rest of my life.

In 2021 I felt a lump in my groin and my fears were confirmed in December of that year - the Lymphoma had returned.

The treatment for relapse was different - I had 'salvage' chemo, which did its job, meaning I could proceed with having a stem cell transplant using my own stem cells.

My stem cells were harvested and frozen. I was then admitted to LRI where I had 'conditioning' chemo. This pretty much wipes your whole immune system out and you're left with the same immunity that a new born baby has.

My frozen stem cells were then returned to me and the long road to recovery began.

After being in LRI for 3 weeks in complete isolation, I was allowed to go home. It was tough. Getting dressed was taking over an hour as it was so exhausting. I had no appetite. I wasn't allowed to mix with other people in case I picked up an infection (which would've been very serious).

Gradually, my appetite returned and I regained some strength. There have been a few setbacks and I'm still adjusting to my new 'normal'.

Throughout all of this, my husband and my family have been really supportive and continue to be so. As September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we (our ages range from 9 months to 76 years), would like to tackle the 14.4 miles of the Brampton Valley Way, as a family, to raise as much money as possible for Lymphoma Action. Their Facebook support group has been invaluable to me and any money raised will go towards supporting other people whose lives have been affected in some way by Lymphoma. If you would like to make a donation, I (and many others) would be so grateful. Thank you.

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer.

We’ve been providing in-depth, expert information and wide-ranging support for over 35 years, helping thousands of people affected by lymphoma. Our work drives improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of lymphoma.

We’re here for everyone affected by lymphoma. https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/