Inspirational stories

These inspirational stories are personal accounts of the experiences of patients, carers or fundraisers - they all have a story to tell about their experience with a blood cancer.

Erica Farmer

Erica was 53 when she was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Now 71, she’s been isolating since March 2020, and will be isolating away from family and friends again this Christmas.

Michael Albero

Michael was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) at 55 years old. He had five years of Watch and Wait until he was plunged into a cycle of hospital visits and eventually chemotherapy. Now 63, Michael refers to himself and his family as ‘professional shielders.

Anthony Cornwell

Anthony was 51 years old when he started experiencing fatigue, night sweats, repeated chest infections, nose bleeds, and random bruising. After a visit to his GP, he had blood tests and was later diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).

Mick Smith

Michael was 47 years old when he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocyte leukaemia (CLL). Now 62, he has been shielding since February 2019 and plans to spend Christmas alone again this year.

Sue Clissold

Sue received her chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) diagnosis alone due to COVID-19 restrictions. She has been shielding ever since. December 12th marks her 60th birthday but Sue’s birthday celebrations have been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. Her wish this Christmas would be to be cured of CLL, or for Covid to disappear.

Jane Catchpole

Jane was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) aged 48, in 2004. Now 65, Jane wants to share her story to encourage anyone newly diagnosed who might be frightened. She hopes her story of living with CLL for 17 years on Watch & Wait will give hope to readers.

Julia Jones

Julia knew something wasn’t right when she began to experience fatigue and found a lump under her arm, but numerous times she was told the symptoms were nothing to worry about. Following a routine mammogram, Julia was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Here, she shares her Spot Leukaemia story.

Tasneem Ali: Yusuf’s story

Like many parents of children with leukaemia, and like many leukaemia patients themselves, Tasneem initially thought her son’s symptoms could be attributed to the everyday. However, Tasneem, a GP herself, soon realised something was wrong with her son Yusuf. She was right – Yusuf was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on World Leukaemia Day. Here, Tasneem tells her son’s story.

Naomi Roberts

Naomi Roberts was just 20 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Despite experiencing a number of symptoms, Naomi put them down to a busy life. Now in remission, she’s sharing her Spot Leukaemia story.

Mark Terry

Keen runner Mark was living life to the full aged 60, but when he came down with infection after infection, he visited his GP where a prompt blood test likely saved his life. Now in remission from acute myeloid leukaemia, Mark is sharing his story.

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