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

Research blog: Accelerating progress in AML

28 Apr 2025 Patient

Research blog: Accelerating progress in AML

“I knew my body was failing me, but no one would listen.” Tammy Guide visited her doctors and local A&E...

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...

“My symptoms rapidly escalated”: Charles’ story

16 May 2023 Patient

“My symptoms rapidly escalated”: Charles’ story

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

Just in the ‘nick of time’: how a blood test detected Paul’s hairy cell leukaemia

28 April 2023 Patient

Just in the ‘nick of time’: how a blood test detected Paul’s hairy cell leukaemia

Almost two years of vague symptoms and repeated visits to the GP ended with Paul Street finally being diagnosed with...

Leukaemia is a lonely illness

24 April 2023 Patient

Leukaemia is a lonely illness

Lisa Thompson, who lives in Somerset, has a busy job as a primary school head teacher. Like many teachers, she...