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

Dora’s love of motorbikes and dogs helped her return to health

24 Nov 2025 Patient

Dora’s love of motorbikes and dogs helped her return to health

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

Coping with sudden changes in my body

22 August 2023 Awareness

Coping with sudden changes in my body

Ricky Lee Kennedy and his wife Sam were thrilled to get the keys to their first home in August 2022....

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...