Words by William Hawes
I was diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia, a bit of a long name (WM for short!) which is a type of incurable but treatable non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2013. I underwent chemotherapy treatment from July 2021 which was transformational for me; no longer suffering from fatigue, brain fog, and able to tolerate cold weather again.
I am a patient at UCLH and I would like to give back for all the support I received and continue to receive from all the dedicated staff across the Haematology teams. Given a lot of my treatment was during Covid there was always a friendly, compassionate face providing excellent treatment at every stage. It was truly wonderful to be told I was normal again! As there is no cure, I am kept under active monitoring with three monthly check-ups.
I am therefore hiking the Sierra section of the Pacific Crest Trail in California for nearly three weeks from 15 September and aiming to hike more than 200 miles. In this section there are five mountain passes to negotiate over 10,000 feet. It will no doubt be challenging as I carry more than a week’s worth of food, in addition to my tent, medicine, cooking implements and everything else I need.
I have arrived back home safely from hiking the High Sierra section of the Pacific Coast Trail. An amazing experience enveloped in majestic wilderness scenery including this picture when I camped at the north end of Evolution Lake. More importantly a huge thank you to everyone who supported my fundraiser for Haematology Cancer Care. The funds raised, in excess of £7,500 including Gift Aid, will make a big difference and support projects for both haematology nurses and patients alike at UCLH. I am overwhelmed by how many of you supported me and also encouraged me whilst I was hiking. Thank you again.
What will Will’s fundraising help us to fund?
Complementary therapy services to reduce stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort, supporting patients’ emotional and physiological wellbeing during treatment. Therapies include massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki – and are a cornerstone of our funding for the haematology unit.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy, a specialist trauma based psychology provision to help patients to manage post-traumatic responses that they may experience following diagnosis and treatment.
Staff complementary therapy, and nurses’ wellbeing initiatives. Therapies for staff reduce stress, improve morale, and promote mental wellbeing in a high-pressure clinical environment. Wellbeing and team building activities reduce burnout and strengthen collaboration.
Vascular access ultrasound phantom, specialist training equipment to help staff to practice vein finding and canulation, minimising patient discomfort and vein trauma during procedures.
Blood pressure machines, to ensure that all patients, regardless of their financial means, can safely track their health at home.
