Florence Bark, a 5 year old girl from my hometown, has recently been diagnosed with blood cancer and there is no genetic match on the bone marrow register. Even if a match is found, due to Florence‘s unique genetics, there is a low chance a bone marrow transfer will be successful. Her parents, an NHS worker and head teacher of our local primary academy, have started fundraising, for the £500k life-saving treatment Florence will need which isnt available on the NHS.

As a parent of a 5 year old myself, I can‘t begin to imagine what they are all going through. Local fundraising efforts have been phenomenal already but they have a long way to go.

I wanted to do something to help and hope that my friends, family and colleagues far and wide will support me. I have set myself a swim challenge and next month, in July, I am going to swim 20 miles for Florence. I‘m hoping to raise £1000 and of course, all monies raised will be given straight to Florence’s parents.

You can read Florence’s story here:

https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/people/corbys-familys-desperate-bid-to-raise-ps500k-for-life-saving-treatment-for-their-little-girl-3738445?fbclid=IwAR3BRMHQpAwcVFyGsjsgZzjvXrEZ_i8j3OA2uUAetKDFW3pV2eIlHex37UU

Please share Florence’s story as widely as possible in the hope of finding a donor. Even if you are not a match for Florence, you may help to save the life of someone else.

If you are over 30, you can register to become a donor at:

https://www.dkms.org.uk/register-now

Or

If you are under 30:

https://www.anthonynolan.org/help.../join-stem-cell-register

#bemorefab