Patient stories
Find out about the impact our work has on patients.
“I am fortunate to be five years in remission and can plan for the future again” – Claire’s blood cancer story
In April 2019, Claire Shepherd, now 34, began feeling unwell and constantly fatigued. Having initially put her symptoms down to her hectic lifestyle, she was shocked to be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Now, six years on and following successful treatment, she is in remission and making the most of every day…
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‘I know when it comes back, the next treatment will be waiting’ – Cecelia’s myeloma story
Cecelia Brunott, 48, was diagnosed with myeloma in 2020. She had a stem cell transplant and is currently taking a targeted treatment to keep her cancer stable. She lives in Farnham, Surrey, with her wife Eva.
“When I was diagnosed with leukaemia, I never thought I would still be here” – Karin’s story
Karin Manchester, 65, was told she had a week to live after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a type of blood cancer, in 2004. Thanks to successful treatment and taking part in a clinical trial, she has been in remission for over 20 years.
“A cancer diagnosis at the age of 16 is a lot to process” – Roslyn’s story
Roslyn was 16 when she was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Now 27, and following successful treatment, she is running this year’s London Marathon to mark 10 years being cancer-free and to raise funds for our vital research.
“I wake up every morning feeling grateful to be here” – Julius’ myeloma story
Julius, 66, is a Black Belt 6th Dan karate instructor. Having been fit and healthy all his life, he was shocked to be diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in September 2019. Now, thanks to treatment, he is in remission and continues to enjoy the martial arts that have been his passion for over 40 years.
“I’m glad to be doing something that links me to mum and dad” – Emma’s story
Emma Godden, 51, has lost both her parents to cancer. Her dad, Arthur, passed away in 1986 when she was just 13 and her mum, Pauline, died in 2018. She reveals why she hopes to make a difference for cancer patients in the future by running this year’s London Marathon to fund our vital research.
“During my cancer treatment, running a marathon became my goal” – Mary’s story
Mary Nassiri, 47, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2021, just six months after her sister had received a similar diagnosis. During her treatment, she promised herself that once she recovered, she would run a marathon. Now, four years on, she is preparing to take part in the 2025 London Marathon and in doing so, she is raising funds for our vital research.
“No one wants to hear they have cancer at 18” – Nadia’s story
Nadia, 28, is running her third London Landmarks half marathon for the ICR. She explains why supporting our vital research is so important to her.
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