Above – Megan and brother Jacob
In December 2024, Jacob Riley took on the Aintree 10k, raising over £1,500 for our charity in honour of his sister Megan, who had recently been diagnosed with leukaemia. Eighteen months later, Megan is sharing her journey — from the first symptoms to rebuilding life after treatment.
While teaching in South Korea, Megan initially put her sore throat down to exhaustion. But when swollen lymph nodes, heavy bruising and a petechiae rash appeared, she knew something was wrong. Remembering the “glass test” for rashes, she realised hers didn’t fade — prompting urgent blood tests and a hospital visit. Even in Korean, she recognised the word leukaemia instantly.
The hospital began their process of transferring Megan to another location for immediate treatment, and it was her responsibility to call her family in the UK. It was never a phone call she’d planned to make, and one she is sure they never thought they’d receive.
Megan said “My heart did drop in the moment, but I’m quite level-headed in serious situations and I don’t show my emotions easily. My attitude was to follow the orders of the hospital and begin treatment.”
Megan began chemotherapy tablets within 48 hours. Her family prepared to fly out, but after some logical thinking Megan decided to return to the UK. After packing up her apartment and securing a last‑minute flight, she arrived at Manchester Royal Infirmary and began treatment just a week after her first symptoms. “By that time, my body was much worse, and suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy tablets. But as a northern woman I pulled myself together, and with the help of friends and family, started my treatment journey a week after noticing my first symptoms.”
Recovery demanded patience — something Megan admits she struggled with. Overnight, her independent life became one of masks, limited mobility and relying on others for basic tasks. At 27, the sudden pause felt overwhelming. But she also discovered her strength: “I’m incredibly proud of myself. Beating cancer is my greatest achievement so far.”
Her relationships with her family and friends deepened too. “During the heavier times, you realise who the best people in your life are.”
Life After Treatment
Megan describes life after treatment as a slow, personal process with no rulebook. Regaining physical strength took time, and only recently has she felt ready to join a gym again. “I’ve realised I’m grieving a past version of me. But this version is better — and she has thicker hair thanks to chemotherapy.”
Her outlook on life has transformed for the better. Stress feels different, gratitude comes easier, and even small moments — like walking in the sunshine — feel significant. She’s also retraining for a new career, embracing change with renewed ambition and tenacity.
Her Advice for Others
“Have a strong support network — not just medical staff, but people who can help with everyday tasks, like brushing your teeth. Everyone’s treatment is different, but humour and a positive mindset helped me survive emotionally. Make jokes, laugh, and find your own version of happiness.”
“When you get hit with big news like this, the main question can be ‘Why?’ Why me? Why now? Why did my body do this? Finding a life purpose can be daunting for anyone in their 20s, but I do know that my purpose for now is to look after my new body, enjoy life and allow myself things that I probably restricted in the past.”
She also wants people to understand how common leukaemia is — and to be mindful of those wearing masks. “In the past, the only time I’d heard of Leukaemia was sadly when children were diagnosed, but it doesn’t discriminate against age. It’s not COVID. We’re immunocompromised. Think before you speak.”
Megan is deeply grateful to the Royal Manchester Haematology team, Anthony Nolan Charity for the treatment and support they gave her, and her donor in Germany — whom she hopes to meet soon. “I can’t wait to thank them for giving me a new chance at life.”
Operations Director Joanna Tiley said ‘ We are extremely grateful to Jacob and Lydia for taking on the Aintree 10K and raising such an incredible amount for our charity. We’re also deeply thankful to Megan for bravely sharing her journey through leukaemia and life beyond treatment. Her story will help so many others feel less alone, stay hopeful, and embrace life after recovery.
To find out more about leukaemia and other types of blood cancer click here. If Jacob and Lydia have inspired you to take on a challenge and help beat blood cancer, have a look at events around the UK that we have places available for here.
