I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Ph+ on 15th September 2021 and had an Allogeneic stem cell transplant on 25th March 2022.   I am still recovering and suffering some side effects of treatment but I get better everyday and I am determined to get back to doing all the weird and wonderful things Greg and I enjoy doing, starting with a Boxing Day dip in the North Sea 🥶.  If we’re going to do this then let’s try and support the researchers that have done so much to help me and many others like me including my 2nd cousin Dan.

Dan was also diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Ph+ on 26th April 2020 and was signed off all treatment on 27th April 2022.  Dan was only 15 when he was diagnosed.  He has managed to catch up on his missed schoolwork and sat his exams whilst having treatment, he is now finishing his A levels and planning his life at University in 2023.  Dan had to give up his beloved boxing whilst going through treatment but he’s back in that boxing gym now and working hard to earn back his spot on the “fight team”.

Dan should never have had to suffer any of this and his whole family are so very proud of what he has achieved and will continue to achieve. 

I can’t drag Dan into the sea with me on Boxing Day, but I know he will be cheering us on from his warm comfy sofa 😁.

Blood Cancer UK is a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, our community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.