Leanne Birkett tells us about one charity's goal to improve the lives and treatment of people in the north of England who are dealing with blood cancer.

A few statistics before we begin:

• Every 14 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
• Around 40,000 people a year are diagnosed with a blood cancer.
• Leukaemia 10 year survival rates have quadrupled since the 1970’s but more research is needed.
• In their first five years Big Red they have invested over £1,000,000 into improving patient care.

We lost a very dear friend and colleague a few years ago to blood cancer, leaving behind her family, husband and two small children. Getting the news of her condition was devastating and didn’t seem real; I can’t even imagine what her family were going through, and what they still must be. The strength and fight she had in her was unbelievable, and it was just her personality all over! She was a huge part of our dental practice family, and is very much missed every day.

Types of blood cancer

There are three main types of blood cancer – leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Leukaemia causes the bone marrow to produce abnormal white cells, which crowd out or reduce the production of normal cells, making it hard for them to do their work such as carrying oxygen or clotting. Lymphoma and myeloma attack the immune system reducing the body’s ability to produce infection-fighting white blood cells, and plasma cells which contain antibodies.

Usual treatment for blood cancer

Treatment for blood cancer varies from patient to patient. Options for treatment include chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy and stem cell transplant.

How is bone marrow and blood linked?

The bone marrow is the factory where blood cells are made. By looking at the bone marrow under the microscope doctors can tell how blood cells are developing and whether too few or too many of each cell type are being produced. One of the charities that my colleagues family raised money for was Bright Red, and their motto is ‘fighting blood cancer for a brighter future’.

About Bright Red

Previously known as Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant 2000, Bright Red has supported haematology treatment and research within the region since 1988. Thanks to their combined investment of over £6,000,000 into haematology, diagnosis, treatment and research within the region has gone from strength to strength.

The region is now the second largest bone marrow transplant centre within the UK, treating an increasing number of patients from outside the area. These patients choose to come to the north of England for many⇐ ⇔reasons, including the high standard of care and number of specialists in the region.

Their vision is to make the region the safest place in the UK, if not the world, to be treated for blood cancer.

They aim to improve the lives and treatment of people with blood cancer across the north of England. Through care, research and education they are striving to beat illnesses such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative diseases.

Fundraising

At the practice we raise money through our book corner, and contributions are sometimes made to the Bright Red charity from our wonderful staff and patients. Bright Red rely entirely on supporters raising funds on their behalf. They would not be able to invest in improving patient care, staff development and research without the fantastic support they receive. Many of their supporters have a direct understanding of blood cancers and the difficulties patients can face. Often it is the patients and families they support who choose to fundraise for Bright Red. It’s an extremely kind gesture and often the supporters find fundraising a positive, therapeutic experience.

How can you help?

• Why not organise an event to raise funds?
• Take part in one of the many Bright Red events.
• Raise sponsorship with an Enthuse Bright Red fundraiser. They are also registered on Just Giving and Facebook Fundraisers for raising sponsorship online, and they also have a downloadable sponsor form for any offline sponsorship.
• Raise awareness – put Bright Red to the forefront of people’s minds with a speaking slot in your local club or group, or you could buy a Bright Red t-shirt or hoodie to show off our logo!
• Get your workplace involved through corporate fundraising. Does your workplace have a charity of the year scheme? Nominate Bright Red as a chosen charity.
• Regular giving. Regular donors are the backbone of the charity, and it’s thanks to them that bright red have been able to do as much as they have. You can set up a direct debit or standing order to donate regularly, or your workplace may have a payroll giving scheme you can sign up to. Check out their donate page to find out more and set up your regular giving payment.
• blood cancer for a brighter future
• Shop! Give as You Live is a shopping comparison website. They receive a commission each time a sale is processed through their website. At least 50 per cent of this commission is then donated to your chosen charity. We’re also registered with Amazon Smile and Humble Bundle which give a percentage back to Bright Red when you shop online!
• Sell! Have a clear out and sell items on eBay for Charity. It is quick and easy and you can choose to donate the whole amount or a percentage (from 10 per cent to 100 per cent) of the final sale price.

To find out more call 0191 269 5467 or email at support@brightred.org.uk

Author: Leanne Birkett