Hi, my name is Ben and this is my blood cancer story.

6 in 10 (59.6%) people in England diagnosed with leukaemia in the least deprived group survive their disease for five years or more, compared with more than half (52.8%) of people in the most deprived group (2016-2020)

A Leukaemia cancer, the survival trends can reflect a combination of changes in treatment and stage distribution. These factors themselves can vary by age, sex and deprivation.

I was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma which is a B Cell type Leukaemia which developed into a stage 4 group.

I was officially diagnosed on the 27/04/1995 when I was only three years old.

My family persistently took me to hospital as I was constantly complaining of my stomach being sore and I had pain in both of my legs and I often asked to be carried as I had trouble with my walking which was originally diagnosed as irritable hip.

We were repeatedly turned away from the hospital as a simple virus.

One day a consultant while passing intervened and assessed me and diagnosed me as a seriously ill child.

I was then referred to a consultant, under paediatric oncology.

My consultant was sensational he kept my family in the loop every step of the way and strived to explore every route possible to source treatment to cure me.

This included numerous dosages of Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and surgery. I have been in remission since January 2006 and I can’t thank the RVI - Great North Hospital enough.

I have fond memories of my ward from dressing up as Captain Scarlett, sending my family members to get me a McDonald’s and riding a bike around the hospital to various scheduled treatment plans and for tests with the hospital porter struggling to keep up with me with my drip and line in tow.

My diagnoses & treatment impacted my self confidence, Anxiety, mental health and my body but I’m beyond lucky to be here today.

I still struggle to come to terms on why I was the only one of all the other individuals on my ward to survive…

But this is the time for me to share my story and make a difference for those still affected by blood cancer and in particular Leukaemia. I am doing this for those past, present and future.

Please spare a moment to read and digest my story and spare a contribution towards my chosen charity.

Blood Cancer UK is charity and a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. They do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, they’ve invested over £500 million into 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.

Thanks for reading,

Ben & Blood Cancer UK