The 19th February 2024 marked 21 years since I received the bone marrow transplant which saved my life. I am one of the lucky ones. The chemotherapy, radiotherapy and transplant did the trick and I have remained in remission from blood cancer ever since.

Being diagnosed with leukaemia was life changing. I was 22, freshly back home from a trip around the world after graduating from university and reluctantly thinking about careers now that I was technically a 'grown up'. Suddenly, I was rushed by ambulance to hospital in London, spent days in intensive care and my future was no longer guaranteed. I am forever grateful to the amazing NHS and to all those who played a part in my treatment and recovery over the long twelve months that followed. And I wouldn't be here without Frank, my anonymous bone marrow donor who saved my life! All these years later it is never forgotten and I am touched by the family and friends who continue to wish me a 'Happy Frank day' each year in honour of my anonymous life-saving donor.

Leukaemia continues to shape my life to this day and I have worked for a local blood cancer charity for the past 6 years. The services provided by Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) to patients across Devon would have made such a difference to my family had they been available to them. The daily transport service to and from hospital, the hotel stays for my parents to be close by during the difficult occasions, the financial support to cover time taken off work and the counselling, to name but a few. I see the positive difference ELF makes to patients and families on a daily basis and that is why it is a perfect full circle moment to raise some money for this wonderful charity to mark my second 21st birthday.

Thank you to my amazing friends for joining me in this 50k trekking challenge. Please sponsor us what you can and join us in saying a big cheers to Frank!