Laura's Lymphoma Journey

I, Laura have recently been diagnosed with Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

Following my diagnosis, I created three aims; to beat Lymphoma, write a blog and raise money for charity as I wanted to ensure I kept busy throughout my journey. When I started researching Lymphoma I found various support pages and charities that specifically focus on supporting those with Lymphoma. I feel it is so important and also beneficial to raise money to support these charities as I think the support they provide is invaluable and often overlooked. 

The challenge to pick one charity was so hard as there are so many wonderful charities including Macmillan and Cancer Research, all of which are committed to helping those with cancer on their journey whilst also providing support to close family and friends. I decided that I wanted to focus specifically on Lymphoma Action as they are the only charity solely dedicated to helping those with Lymphoma. Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK however I imagine, similar to myself, that you have no idea what Lymphoma is and even after Googling it is still a bit confusing! The charity aims to provide in-depth, expert information by supporting, informing and connecting thousand of people who suffer with Lymphoma and to also raise awareness. The money raised can contribute towards so many areas such as running regional support groups, clinic trials, support buddy services and much more. Their mission is to ensure that no one faces lymphoma alone and that everyone has somewhere to turn during such a difficult time in someone’s life.

My boyfriend and my best friend were more than willing to help and support me with my mission of raising money and even signed themselves up for Tough Mudder. Soon after, work colleagues and friends also wanted to take part in Tough Mudder.  I am beyond grateful that so many people were so quick to offer their help and support to raise money for such a great cause and were willing to sign up to partake in Tough Mudder, the endurance mud-fest obstacle event.

As well as raising money for Lymphoma Action, I also think it is really important to raise awareness for DKMS - DKMS is a charity for those suffering with blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia where people can register to become a blood stem cell donor similar to donating blood. This is something that isn’t very well known however it is just as important as donating blood as becoming a stem cell donor can help save someone’s life. You can find out more or register to be a potential blood stem cell donor here: https://www.dkms.org.uk/en . It would really mean the world to me if just one person signs up to be a donor as it could save someone’s life.

This page is open for donations to support those partaking in Tough Mudder, Sports Day and St Annes Skipton Building Society Walk the Lights and additional Skipton Building Society branches who are fundraising and also for future fundraising activities I plan on doing, all of which will be donated to Lymphoma Action.

Thank you so much for reading my story and donating. If you have a moment to share this and read my blog, it would be very much appreciated: https://livinglifewithlarry.blogspot.com