Ian, Jo Prinsen’s friend, was originally diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in 2019, and then underwent several months of chemotherapy and ultimately received a stem cell transplant.

Jo is now hosting a fundraising event at The Night Owl in Birmingham this April, and she’s taking on an ‘all-dayer’ from 2pm to 9pm, featuring some fantastic DJ’s.

 

“These are some of the top soul and ‘60s R&B DJs in the country and I am very excited to have them join me on the decks on Sunday 23rd April at the Night Owl. It’s a fab and friendly venue and you can expect to hear some great tunes all played off original vinyl. Ian and Mandi love the music too, Mandi (who features on the flyer) is a fantastic dancer and it’s going to be great to see her back on the dancefloor!”

Jo will also be hosting a raffle and will be donating all of the funds raised to Cure Leukaemia.

Jo was originally supposed to take on this challenge in 2020, however she had to postpone the event due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jo spoke about her admiration for her two friends, and why she’s taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for Cure Leukaemia.

“I am doing this fundraiser for Cure Leukaemia as the disease has greatly impacted two very dear friends of mine and the charity help to fund ground-breaking treatment & research at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where Ian received a stem cell transplant in 2019.
Mandi and Ian are two very special people and gave me amazing support when I lost my husband suddenly to heart failure in 2016.

Since Ian’s illness, they have gone through so much and have shown amazing strength and courage, they are both amazing and such a lovely and devoted couple.
They’ve had to adjust to a life very different to the one they had planned, but their positivity, the way they enjoy life and make the very best of everything inspires me.”

 

Ian, Jo’s friend, was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2019, after he had a regular blood test, and the illness was then picked up.

“I was diagnosed with AML in May 2019, following an unrelated blood test. This led to a referral at Russell’s Hall haematology where I was under the care of Dr Rupert Hipkins.
My initial chemotherapy was there for 3 months. When a stem cell donor was found, who was a 27 year old male in the USA, I had my transplant at Queen Elizabeth Birmingham.
I would like to thank all the staff on Georgina Ward, Russell’s Hall,  for their initial care.
The staff on ward 625 Q.E are also thanked, particularly the haematology team, especially Professor Charlie Craddock and nurse Jane Nunock.
And of course, my donor, who I will be forever thankful to.

Funding is crucial to Cure Leukaemia, simply because it offered me the best treatment for my illness.
This included a blind trial drug on the Amadeus programme.
Dedicated nurses and up to the minute facilities are so important for treatment and recovery.”

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