Sam and Sam's Walk of Light for Blood Cancer UK
Sam Nicholls is raising money for Blood Cancer UK
Story
In 2020, my dad was serendipitously stung by a bee, triggering a series of events that led to a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); a rare form of blood cancer. CLL causes the body produce abnormal blood cells that slowly crowd out normal blood cells, eventually causing unbearable fatigue. CLL is incurable, and those affected have to watch and wait as treatment is kept in reserve for when the symptoms begin to affect your quality of life.
The peaceful period of watchful waiting was broken in Februrary 2023, when my dad was admitted to hospital for what would turn out to be the first of many emergency blood transfusions, just to keep him alive. After 25 units of blood infused over three months he was finally stable enough to begin treatment to control the CLL.
His body strongly rejected the first attempt of treatment but thanks to the staff at the chemotherapy unit of Prince Philip hospital, he was able to start and eventually finish his chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments and is officially in remission as of the end of summer last year.
Not content with running a 10k and setting up the "Make Blood your Business" campaign to boost blood donations across businesses in Wales, my dad is now dabbling in events management and has set up the "Swansea Walk of Light" to raise awareness of blood cancer.
Samantha and I will be walking with my dad and the rest of my family, with others who are affected by blood cancers; in aid of Blood Cancer UK (BCUK). BCUK is a comparatively small cancer charity funding crucial research into blood cancers and offering advice on treatment options to people like my dad. The work of BCUK was invaluable in helping my dad and the rest of the family navigate through such a confusing and emotional time.
Anything you can give would be much appreciated so we can help Blood Cancer UK to help others like they helped us.
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Sign up to walk or find out more about the event here - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/swanseawalkoflight2025
See the Blood Cancer UK website https://bloodcancer.org.uk/