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

“I was dismissed, belittled and treated like a nuisance.”

20 Mar 2026 Patient

“I was dismissed, belittled and treated like a nuisance.”

At the time he was diagnosed in November 2017, Andrew Fairweather was a fit 33-year-old man who worked for a...

Andrew’s attitude and position from the word go was to ‘give back’ and help others.

14 January 2026 Patient

Andrew’s attitude and position from the word go was to ‘give back’ and help others.

At the time he was diagnosed in November 2017, Andrew Fairweather was a fit 33-year-old man who worked for a...

Gene’s strength in the face of years of painful treatment has inspired his nephew

14 January 2026 Patient

Gene’s strength in the face of years of painful treatment has inspired his nephew

[caption id="attachment_20894" align="alignleft" width="225"] Gene Hawley with his wife[/caption] “For about 12 months before I was diagnosed I had a...

The new protocol that turned things around for little Vinnie

16 December 2025 Patient

The new protocol that turned things around for little Vinnie

Breakthroughs in new treatments happen all the time. For Sarah Kent it was one such newly launched drug regime that...

“Hockey has been a huge part of my life and a huge factor in who I am”

4 December 2025 Patient

“Hockey has been a huge part of my life and a huge factor in who I am”

[caption id="attachment_20688" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sarah Chapman umpiring at the Hockey Outdoor Nationals[/caption] One of the biggest goals at the end...

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

24 November 2025 Patient

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

[caption id="attachment_20607" align="alignleft" width="225"] Dora Winslet[/caption] Having a goal at the end of leukaemia treatment helps many patients through the...

Giving back and having a purpose is so important to me

24 November 2025 Patient

Giving back and having a purpose is so important to me

[caption id="attachment_20590" align="alignleft" width="225"] Caroline before her diagnosis[/caption] Leukaemia symptoms can be confusing and easily mistaken for other conditions, particularly...

“I’m lucky to be alive but the side effects, both during and post treatment are enormous”

4 November 2025 Patient

“I’m lucky to be alive but the side effects, both during and post treatment are enormous”

Leukaemia treatment can be gruelling for the many months or even years that it takes. Sadly, it can also cause...

Larissa’s favourite saying was ‘One life, live it’

27 October 2025 Patient

Larissa’s favourite saying was ‘One life, live it’

Leukaemia symptoms can be vague, often leading to diagnosis only when a person is already gravely ill. In rare cases,...