There are more than 280,000 people in the UK living with blood cancer. These diagnoses can often arrive without warning, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
At Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK), we are working to change this picture – by funding pioneering research, supporting families, and offering services that give real hope for the future.
This September, during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing more about who we are, what we do, and why our work matters.
Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and the third biggest cause of cancer deaths. Survival rates are improving, but more research is urgently needed to understand these complex diseases and improve treatments.
That’s why, for ten years now, our charity has been on a mission to advance research into blood cancers, and specifically how stem cells can be used for treatment. Each year, we offer specialist research grants to scientists from institutions across the UK, carefully selected by the Research Review Committee – a board of experienced researchers and clinicians who volunteer their time to review grant applications.
Assistant Professor Sophie Kellaway at the University of Nottingham was a recipient of 2024’s Early Careers Grant for her research project, entitled: ‘Investigating DNA damage accumulation in Leukaemia stem cells’.
Speaking on the funding, Sophie said: “There are not a lot of organisations offering these kinds of grants for smaller and very specific projects like mine and I am grateful that LMRUK has given me this support”. You can read more about Sophie’s research here.
But funds raised for our charity don’t only support research, they also help us to aid families with a history of blood cancer through the Model Cell Biobank, our part or fully funded cord blood banking service.
The Model Cell Biobank allows eligible families to store their baby’s cord blood stem cells. These cells are rich in potential for future treatments, not only for blood cancers but also for a growing range of conditions being explored in ongoing research. By supporting LMRUK, fundraisers are helping families take precautions for the future, with a service that might otherwise be unaffordable.
Natalie Harrop stored her newborn’s cord blood stem cells with the Model Cell Biobank back in 2023, and highly recommends the service to others: “It was really straightforward,” she said. “I really don’t know why we aren’t storing babies’ stem cells as a matter of course – it seems such a simple yet important thing to do.” Read more about Natalie’s experience here.
So, how can you get involved in the fight against blood cancer?
From bake sales to marathons, there are countless ways to raise funds for LMRUK, and we are here to support your fundraising journey every step of the way. But beyond that, education and awareness are paramount if we are to succeed in our mission – and not only during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
That’s why we’re asking for your help, to share resources, educate others, and raise awareness of why blood cancer research is so important. Here are a few ways you can get started:
- Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X and share our informative posts and with your network.
- Sign up to our eNewsletter to stay up-to-date with all things blood cancer.
- Read our latest news to find out about the organisations, fundraisers and researchers who are driving progress in the sector.
