On 27 April 2011 I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). I was entered on to the UKALL14 Trial which meant two years and ten months of intense chemotherapy. The chemo caused numerous complications particularly to my liver. I also got an infection in my spine meaning 14 weeks of interavenous antibiotics and the wearing of a (most uncomfortable) back brace. Having spent over three months in hospital, most of which was spent in isolation, I headed for home in a wheelchair with very poor mobility. Then followed many weeks in and out of hospital for treatment and when I got an infection which my body was unable to cope with.

I have been fortunate to survive the harsh treatment and am now on the road to leading a 'normal life'. I still however, go for regular blood tests to check the Leukaemia hasn't returned.

I have entered Langport Women's Only Tri on 20 September. The swim will be fine, but I am working on getting in and out of the pool, my lack of strength doesn't give me the ability to push myself out of the pool. At the moment I am riding a Mountain Bike as my balance isn't brilliant and finally the run will be a walk/shuffle due to the steroid damage to my hips and knees. BUT I am determined to succeed and raise funds to support research. Of all adults diagnosed with ALL, up to 4 out of 10 people (40%) will live for at least 5 years. Some of these people will be cured. But in others the ALL will come back. (Cancer Research UK figure). With more research this can and must be made higher.

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