Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In July 2009, my sister in law, Debs, was diagnosed with Smouldering Myeloma which is the asymptomatic form of Myeloma. Myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer arising from plasma cells, which are normally found in the bone marrow.

It is a rare cancer that only affects about 1% of cancer patients - and is "very rare" in people under 40. Debs is 35, with two beautiful children, Rebecca (5), and Sam (3). Most GP's will only see 1 or 2 patients in their entire career and this often results in Myeloma not being diagnosed until symptoms are seriously life changing. Sadly, at present there is no cure for this cancer, and once diagnosed, the average life expectancy is 2-5 years, with 10 years being achievable for some 'luckier' individuals. Treatments for myeloma can be very effective at halting its progress, controlling the symptoms, and improving quality of life, but they are not able to cure it.

So far she has no symptoms and is not facing immediate treatment. But the reality is that she is likely to be fully diagnosed in the next 12 months to 5 years, unless she is very very lucky. Until then, she has monthly checkups to keep track of how things are progressing. The Myeloma UK charity has been integral in the support she has received since diagnosis and I am really keen to support it and help to raise money for it.

The 3 Peaks Challenge is based in Yorkshire and involves scaling the Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough peaks (which average over 700m in height) in less than 12 hours - a total distance of 26 miles. I will be walking it with Debs,my daughter Pips, my other sisters in law Sarah, Chris and Ruth, my nieces Jo, Abi and Lucy,  and some of Debs'  friends.

So, please help me to support a charity that is going to help a large number of people in the future.

Your donations will be used by Myeloma UK in a number of areas;

1. To provide information and support to individuals like Debs who have been diagnosed.

2. To promote awareness of Myeloma in order that symptoms are recognised and treated early.

3. To fund crucial research to try to increase the life expectancy after diagnosis and/or find a cure for this currently uncurable disease.

I know things are tight for people at the moment, so please give as little or as much as you are able to....every penny helps.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you so much for reading this and I hope you are able to help

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.