Our stories

Without personal stories from people affected by leukaemia, it would be impossible for us to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and fundraise for further research. If you would like to share your leukaemia journey, please get in touch with us on communications@leukaemiauk.org.uk

Alice Bolton: “In an hour I went from being in the doctors’ areas to being a patient”

14 Apr 2025 Patient

Alice Bolton: “In an hour I went from being in the doctors’ areas to being a patient”

A trip to see university friends in Bristol in the summer of 2022 was a turning point for Charles McGrath...

A second chance in life for Fred

17 August 2023 Patient

A second chance in life for Fred

Forty years as a hockey player, coach and manager, and 17 years as a keen runner, meant Fred Dick was...

How hot flushes, a chest infection and tiredness led to Leila’s CML diagnosis

3 August 2023 Awareness

How hot flushes, a chest infection and tiredness led to Leila’s CML diagnosis

Many women in their 40s and 50s initially mistake their leukaemia symptoms for the onset of menopause. Leila Richardson put...

“Leukaemia doesn’t define who you are” – Kev and Verity’s story

3 August 2023 Awareness

“Leukaemia doesn’t define who you are” – Kev and Verity’s story

“I have been extremely lucky, I have never had any restrictions to my life over the last 21 years and...

Living with CLL – Alice spreads the word about symptom awareness

1 August 2023 Awareness

Living with CLL – Alice spreads the word about symptom awareness

Despite six years of recovery from leukaemia, Alice sadly passed away in January 2024. But her story of positivity, and...

“Dispatches from the front”: Hazel’s Story

12 July 2023 Awareness

“Dispatches from the front”: Hazel’s Story

“For a year before my diagnosis I experienced intermittent extreme tiredness which was not consistent with the energy I was...

“Giving back” – how Bob inspired others with his multiple myeloma journey

19 June 2023 Awareness

“Giving back” – how Bob inspired others with his multiple myeloma journey

A persistent backache was the only symptom that led Bob McDermott to a devastating diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Bob was...

Wigs, building gardens and strange symptoms – Karin’s journey to remission

6 June 2023 Awareness

Wigs, building gardens and strange symptoms – Karin’s journey to remission

Karin’s 25th wedding anniversary celebrations were something she had looked forward to for months. But the party for family and...

National Cancer Survivors Day: Gill’s story

2 June 2023 Patient

National Cancer Survivors Day: Gill’s story

After experiencing fatigue, breathlessness and unusual bruising, Gill Winsor was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in August 2020. Now...