My connection to The Christie has been going since 2005 when I was diagnosed with refractory Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and had the option of being treated there - its reputation making that an easy decision. I eventually needed to have a stem cell bone marrow transplant and underwent that in May 2006. In the course of being treated I was an inpatient for at least 18 months and when I wasn’t ‘in’ I would still have to come in on a daily basis to receive treatments or fluids and bloods etc. The chances of my making a long-term recovery were very small but as the days, months and eventually years went by, with the amazing care and help and guidance of everyone on the Haematology unit, I am still here and living a full life.

Since lockdown (I’m sure it gets the blame for everything!!) I somehow decided to start running and over the last year I’ve competed in lots of trail races here in the Lakes including 2 half marathons. Also, back in 2022 I did the MacMillan Lakes Mighty Hike (26miles) and, in that September also walked for The Christie on their Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge. Those were done for and in memory of a cousin who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had been referred to The Christie. Sadly, she didn’t survive very long after her diagnosis but she could also see what an amazing place The Christie is.

I definitely feel that the Christie played a huge role in my recovery and myself and family hold the hospital and staff in the highest regard and it is certainly part now of who I feel I am. Money raised could be used for complimentary and art therapies, research projects and medical equipment amongst many other things.