The first one is the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust which is a fantastic initiative where we are hoping to increase the awareness of a subtle collection of heart diseases which effect young hearts. The aim is to provide schools and other areas with Public access defibrillators.
The second is LOROS who have for many years helped provide care and support for families and adults who suffer from terminal illness across Leicestershire and Rutland.
The final 2 charities are close to me and have personally helped me through my tough times. Around July 2014 I graduated from University but unfortunately got diagnosed with a Cancer called Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I am however, grateful that after over a year of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant I am now in remission and feeling well again. This is down to numerous factors but the support from Ward 27 of the Leicester royal infirmary which is funded by The Teenage Cancer trust who look after those aged 13-24 played a big role in this.
This ward became my home away from home. The facilities provided by the unit are second to none. They have specific rooms for outpatient chemotherapy and treatments which are equipped with TV, music, games, and activities which provide a friendly and more homely feeling than traditional cancer care. An example of this would be their chill out room where I routinely had chemotherapy and blood tests administered.
I feel it is important for young adults and teenagers to have this level of care due to being at such a vulnerable age. In my experience I have been able to meet others on the ward who are going through very similar treatment and allowed me to talk to someone who truly knows what I am going through. It can be difficult for those at school age to have friends who understand what it all entails and therefore helps those affected, feel like they are not in it alone. The Teenage Cancer Trust also fund specialist nurses who would attend appointments with me, offer advice and provide correspondence with my consultants to ensure my care was as optimum as it can be.
They also fund a youth support coordinator who would set up events/activities and even just be there for emotional support. The nurses and social workers who work on the ward are kind, hardworking, and passionate in providing the care they do. They had facilities for family members to stay overnight for those with inpatient chemotherapy which was vital during the toughest periods of my treatment.
I also had specialist care from the Bone Marrow transplant unit in LRI which was integrated within The teenage Cancer trust ward 27. Together your donations can help provided equipment and funds for these two wards to ensure the standards remain as fantastic as they are.
So these are the 4 areas your donations will be split. Get involved and join us on the 7events held across the year. More details can be found on www.7events.org.
I will be participating with my friends and family in the Tough Mudder in May, and the 10k Cannock chase run in August. We would love for you to join us and be involved in such a great cause.