Christine Kissock, born on 14 August 1950, is our much loved and missed wife, mum, nan, mother in-law, sister, sister in-law, aunt and loyal friend.

On 11 April 2023 she was admitted to the Royal Brompton Hospital for surgery to investigate a mass in her chest, which resulted in the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-Cell ALL). In the weeks that followed she was admitted to the University College London Hospital haematology unit in Grafton Way to focus treatment on the ALL. In the early days of treatment she was also diagnosed with a series of blood cancers, many of which were rare in their own right, making their combination even more rare. These cancers included: Chronic MyeloMonocytic Leukaemia (CMML), MyeloDysplastic Syndromes (MDS), & Smouldering Myeloma. After 6 weeks in Grafton way she was able to come home, but had to attend the McMillan centre twice a week to continue treatment, and by the end of the year the ALL was in remission, with treatment continuing to control the CMML - overall a positive result.

Despite the positive news, on 9 April 2024 Chris was told that a fifth form of cancer had been identified, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), and so a different type of chemotherapy was required. Unfortunately with this final cancer, the return of ALL, and a newly identified heart problem, it all proved too much. Sadly, on the evening of the 23rd May, whilst at home, she slipped peacefully away in her sleep.

Despite all the conditions and constant treatment, she had such a positive and unwavering approach that although she may not beat it all, she wasn’t going to give in easily. She fought until the end and often felt guilty that she always looked so well when other cancer sufferers did not. We also believe that she kept what must have been significant amounts of discomfort and pain from us all – true to form she was always thinking of others right up to the end. Best of all, she kept smiling and laughing throughout!

It is because of Chris’s genuine concern for others that we ask you to join us in fighting blood cancer by contributing to Blood Cancer UK. Please give generously if you can, but any contributions will be gratefully received.

A statement from Blood Cancer UK – We are 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.