I was diagnosed with MDS back in April 2018.  I stumbled across the MDS UK support group on Facebook and one of the members suggested I join and also speak to Sophie the CEO for more information. I spoke to Sophie and the advice and support she gave me was invaluable.

As advised by Sophie I asked for a referral to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham which is a centre of excellence for MDS. I attended my first appointment at the QEHB in September 2018 where I had further tests and it was discovered that I had a number of genetic mutations which had an impact on  my diagnosis.

I was monitored closely with regular blood tests and bone marrow biopsy’s and in February of this year it was decided after results of the latest bone marrow biopsy showed progression of the mutations that now would be the best time for me to have a bone marrow transplant as without one it was highly likely that my MDS would progress to acute myeloid leukaemia.  

I had my transplant on June 16th and 17th and this Friday, 25th September will be my day T+100. I have to say that the support I have received from members of this group, before and during my transplant process has been so helpful and made me smile on some very dark days. 

Over the last few weeks I had started to feel more like myself and a little bit stronger and so I thought that my day T+100 would be an appropriate date to start my 20 for 20 challenge, combining raising money for this wonderful charity and also hopefully aid my recovery.

I will be aiming to do 20 minutes for 20 days of either physical activity, walking, cycling, strengthening exercise or on days I cannot manage that something to aid my mental health, yoga, meditation etc.

If you can sponsor me to complete this challenge and support this amazing charity it would be very much appreciated. I will keep you updated on my progress.

MDS UK is the only charity in the UK providing vital support, information, advice and conducting research solely into Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)- a rare blood cancer where the bone marrow fails to produce healthy blood cells. We are a small charity that needs YOUR support!