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.

Kevin Fletcher

In 1996, Kevin, a secondary school teacher, was diagnosed with hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), a rare but chronic form of leukaemia. Here he discusses what difficulties may arise in trying to hold down, what is for most people, a stressful occupation and how the understanding and support of employers is crucial to achieving that.

Fred

Fred was diagnosed with idiopathic aplastic anaemia (IAA) at 48. He received a bone marrow transplant in February 2020 and has been shielding ever since. Here, is Fred’s story.

Teresa

Teresa was 61 when she was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia type 2 (CMML-2). Now, 65, Teresa has been shielding since January 2020 and will be avoiding the general public again this Christmas. Here, she tells us about her shielding experience as a clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) patient.

Maggy

Maggy, currently 70 years old, was 54 when she was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Due to COVID-19, Maggy shielded from March 2020 to July 2021 and has been avoiding contact with people ever since. Here is Maggy’s story.

Gerardine Cremin

Gerardine was 55 when she started experiencing fatigue, headaches, nausea, and night sweats. Whilst taking some Christmas decorations down, she experienced a sharp pain in her leg which forced her to see her GP. Following blood tests, Gerardine was eventually diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Now 63, she’s sharing her story.

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.

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