Aplastic Anaemia (AA) is an extremely rare and serious blood disorder, it's where the bone marrow stops creating all kinds of blood cells. With around 150 to 200 people each year diagnosed in the UK (~ 2 in 1 million annually). Aplastic anaemia treatment is very similar to the treatment someone might have for leukaemia - but because it's so rare, families often don't have access to the same information and support. Due to it's low numbers, government funding is concentrated on more common diseases, and charities such as The Aplastic Anaemia Trust, UK (AAT) depend on voluntary contributions to progress their research and knowledge in treating patients and in supporting families affected by this condition.

 

On 4th November 2021 Ruth Gamble lost her fight against Aplastic Anaemia after a 7 Week period in Belfast City Hospital. Her husband Bryan and son Kurtis would like to share her story (read more here) and fundraise on behalf of the AAT Charity to help others affected, in memory of Ruth.

 

Kurtis, his father Bryan, and close friends are all aiming to raise awareness for AA and emphasise the importance in checking your NHS eligibility to donate blood and/or platelets, and in volunteering to join the STEM Cell Register through organisations such as Anthony Nolan, DKMS or Race Against Blood Cancer. Ultimately though they would like to raise money for the AAT Charity itself via undertaking an entirely self-funded trek to Everest Base Camp, Nepal in November 2022.

 

What your money will help do;
Fund Research
This time last year, people with aplastic anaemia were contacting The AAT daily in sadness and frustration. As the world celebrated new Covid-19 vaccines, people with aplastic anaemia stuck, not knowing if the vaccines were safe or effective for them. 

But in November, The AAT were able to announce that Covid-19 vaccines do work for people with aplastic anaemia. Funding this research cost £25,000.

This year they uncover more detail about the response to Covid-19 vaccines in people with aplastic anaemia, and investigate new treatment options, that could offer hope to more people, and improve quality of life for patients and their families. 

Provide support
-Provide a young child with a story book that explains what aplastic anaemia is and what they can expect from a long stay in hospital - making the long and difficult treatment less frightening.
-Make sure there is always some one on the end of the phone. Having someone to talk to who understands, who you don't have to explain your condition to again and again. The AAT hotline ensures no one is alone.

To find out more about The Aplastic Anaemia Trust please click here. 

Thanks for taking the time to read our page, any donations no matter how small are greatly appreciated and go a long way to supporting a cause close to our hearts!

Kurtis Gamble