Today marks World Know AML Day 2022, a day when we bring awareness across the UK to AML, acute myeloid leukaemia.

AML is an aggressive form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and makes up for 1% of all cancers, affecting approximately 3,100 people in the UK every year.

We recently spoke to Natalie Hargreaves, who is taking on the Spring Wolf Run on the 24th April 2022, about how AML has impacted her life and those around her, and why she’s tackling this challenge.

“In 2009, my mum was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukaemia and to be honest, we all feared the worst. My mum underwent intensive chemotherapy on an AML clinical trial.
It was just awful watching her suffer, but she fought hard and incredibly, is still with us today.
I am eternally grateful for that.”

Natalie also spoke about her inspiration for raising money for Cure Leukaemia, and about her inspiration for running the event:

“I wanted to raise vital funds for Cure Leukaemia because every penny donated really does make a difference. My mum is testament to that. I’ve had 13 more years with her than I expected I would in 2009 and hopefully there will be many more to come. She is my inspiration.

My initial thought was if I just managed to raise £50 it would be a help to the charity.  I’m overwhelmed to have raised over £300 so far.”

Natalie is taking on the Spring Wolf Run – a 10K off-road muddy obstacle run with plenty of challenges, including lakes and mud-pits.
Natalie said ahead of her challange:

“I’m definitely stepping outside my comfort zone with this challenge!!

I’m feeling confident about running the course.
I’ve ran a couple of 10k’s from home over the last few weeks so I know I have it in my legs. I’m worried about some of the arm strength obstacles as I’m not sure I’ve built up enough strength yet.
As for the mud, water and swimming in freezing cold water …… I’ll just think about that when I get there”

AML is just one type of leukeamia, and Natalie also spoke to us about how other forms of the blood cancer has had an impact on her life and of those around her:

“In 2020 my brother-in-law Karl was diagnosed with T-Cell Leukaemia. He underwent intensive treatment and was told that he was in remission.  He had a stem cell transplant in April 2021 but unfortunately the Leukaemia returned and he sadly died on 22nd December 2021 leaving his young children and wife devastated.

My partner in crime in the Wolf Run challenge is Lisa and sadly her brother-in-law has recently been diagnosed with Chronic Myloid Leukaemia too.
We are keeping our fingers well and truly crossed for him.”

 

You can donate to Natalie ahead of her Spring Wolf Run challange.