Charity canal walk looking for participants of all ages

A picturesque canal walk set to raise funds for a Kidderminster man’s year of fundraising is looking for people of all ages to take part.

Kris Griffin is taking on a year of fundraising in celebration of reaching his 10-year anniversary since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). All proceeds raised will be donated to Leukaemia Care, a national charity based in Worcester who support anyone affected by a blood cancer diagnosis.

The canal walk has been organised by Kris’ wife, Kelly Griffin, and will start and end at the Anchor Inn Pub on the Diglis Docks, with walkers following the 10-mile scenic route towards Droitwich and back again.

Kris said, “What can be better than a brisk 10-mile walk around the waterways of Worcestershire on a Sunday afternoon? The money we are raising is going to save lives and I’m sure we’ll have a blast doing it.

“The support that we’ve received so far has been really encouraging but we need more walkers, so dust off those walking shoes and join us.”

So far, Kris has raised over £4,000 of his £10,000 target, and with the walk coinciding with September’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month, he hopes to get ever closer to his goal whilst raising awareness of leukaemia. For the past two years, the charity has marked Blood Cancer Awareness Month with a month long #SpotLeukaemia campaign to highlight the signs and symptoms of leukaemia.

The walk will take place on Sunday 23rd September at 11am. Anyone wishing to take part in the walk can request a sponsorship form from Leukaemia Care by calling 01905 755 977 or emailing fundraising@leukaemiacare.org.uk.

If you’d like to make a donation to Kris’ fundraising, head to his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kris10.

Leukaemia Care: Patient and Carer Conference 2013

Yesterday was the Leukaemia Care Patient and Carer Conference held at Worcester Rugby Club. Anyone who reads this blog will know how fond I am of Leukaemia Care and the event was tackled with the usual friendly, welcoming attitude we’ve come to expect from the family. Doctor Richard Taylor, independent member of Parliament for Wyre Forest between 2001 and 2010 and co-Leader of National Health Action Party, facilitated the day. As President of Leukaemia Care he was the perfect choice to ensure the day ran to time and bring order to discussions.

The day started with a presentation on ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) from Monica Else, a senior scientific officer from the Institute of Cancer Research. Monica’s husband, a patient,also attended and they provided a fantastic insight into how the science translates into real life. This was followed by the inspiring Lisa Nelson who, although enduring two transplants, brought optimism and courage to the stage. Tuney Thomas, a clinical nurse specialist from Worcestershire Royal Hospital spoke about chemotherapy and cut through the science and rumour with panache. Deborah Alsina, CEO of Bowel Cancer UK, spoke from a carer’s perspective as her husband has leukaemia. Their story of imatinib, dasatinib and babies struck a chord with me and it has been a long while since I have been captured by a speaker so much. I’m not sure anyone in the room wanted her to stop.

After a very tasty lunch break with the opportunity to catch up with old friends and new, we headed into breakout sessions on clinical trials and benefit advice. John Donohue, a charted clinical psychologist from Russells Hall Hospital, spoke in-depth about the psychological and emotional experiences of blood cancer patients. This was a difficult one, a very divisive subject and John handled questions and wide-ranging topics carefully and with care.

Then it was my turn. I thoroughly enjoy spending time, talking and sharing my experiences with an audience, it’s a very liberating and cathartic thing for me. This was also the first time, against advice, I spoke about sperm banking and fertility treatment. Without it I wouldn’t be a Dad; it is so important for the cancer patient. I’d like to think the delegates felt comfortable, well they laughed in all the right places, although I’m not sure they’ll ever hear a bell ringing the same way again. The day finished with a panel discussion, which I was part of. Lots of questioning and a fascinating discussion about the part Facebook plays in the care network. My good friend Nigel Deekes was in attendance and delivered some impromptu and informative words about the subject.

What struck me from the day was that Leukaemia Care really do care, they are a fantastic national charity who have great potential to make lives better. Controversially, perhaps, I did challenge them to bring more young people into the fold. I don’t think there was a delegate under the age of 25. Without young people, who are sadly the next generation of patients, I fear for any charity. The challenge was accepted with eager vigour as I expected. I can’t wait for the next conference.

I left brimming with new ideas, watch this space, and inspired by stories of courage and care. The Leukaemia Care team deserve a huge pat on the back for delivering a fantastic event and if anyone can tell me a better way to spend a Saturday I’d like to hear it.

www.leaukaemiacare.org.uk

Monica Else

Kris Griffin and Doctor Richard Taylor

Lisa Nelson

Doctor Richard Taylor

Leukaemia Care Conference 15 June 2013

Leukaemia Care are now taking bookings for the next Patient and Carer Conference in Worcester! Visit the website for more info, and to download the booking form:

http://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/care_support/patient_carer_conferences

15th June 2013 –  Worcester (Sixways Stadium) – Patient and Carer Conference

I’ll be talking at this event so hopefully see you there.

Kris

Leukaemia Care Conference