This September, we're going to be doing something very special at The Makers Millhouse.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Blood Cancer UK are encouraging people across the country to get creative with their Craft for a Cure campaign.

For us, this one is personal.

In November 2013, (on Black Friday of all days), my husband Tim went for an eye test after noticing a new spot in his vision. Something the optician saw wasn't right and he was sent straight to hospital. A blood test later and, completely out of nowhere, at 29 years old, Tim was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).

CML is a type of blood cancer and is much more commonly diagnosed later in life, with the average person being diagnosed at around 60 years old, so being diagnosed so young came as a huge shock.

But amongst all the fear that came with hearing the word leukaemia, we were also incredibly grateful to learn that research had completely changed what a CML diagnosis meant for Tim's future.

Had he been diagnosed just years earlier, a CML diagnosis would have been a fatal one. Whilst their still remains no cure, the development of targeted treatments called TKIs meant we were told that his cancer could be controlled and that he could expect to live a normal life.

Thirteen years on, he takes his tablets every day, has regular blood tests and monitoring and, thankfully his treatment to date has been successful and he is able to get on with his life.

And that's exactly why research matters, because it was someone who researched the treatment that changed Tim's future.

There are more than 100 different types of blood cancer. More than 40,000 people are diagnosed every year in the UK, and blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third biggest cancer killer in the UK, and sadly, not every family currently gets to hear the reassuring words that we did.

Who are Blood Cancer UK?

Blood Cancer UK are 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 in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, their 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.