The 27th of July 2019 is a day we will never forget. The day Lisa (my sister who’s was 28 and a new mum at the time) was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, this is cancer of the blood. The fifth most common form of cancer.

Life has changed for Lisa and all of our family so quickly after that. Lisa started her treatment within the next few weeks and all hands have been on deck since. 

When Lisa was diagnosed she had recently had her beautiful baby girl Isla (she was 3 months old). We all love her so much and she really has helped us get through the tough times. 

When Lisa should have been going to baby classes and adjusting to life with a newborn she was learning to cope with a cancer diagnosis. Something no one should have to do.

Watching this terrible thing take hold of my sister and our precious family’s lives is one of the many reasons my Dad and I are taking part in this challenge. As hard as it will be nothing will be as awful as watching her struggle through the trauma of treatment. The effects it has physically and mentally is beyond comparison. 

We have a long road ahead of us (quite literally) but it is nothing compared to the journey face by those with a Lymphoma diagnosis.

So we are doing this because we want to raise awareness, educate people about lymphoma and eventually find a cure. We want a cure for every mummy, daddy, brother, sister, daughter and son. We need a cure for everyone.

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer. We’ve been providing in-depth, expert information and wide-ranging support for over 30 years, helping thousands of people affected by lymphoma. Our work drives improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of lymphoma. We’re here for everyone affected by lymphoma.