I was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia which is a very rare bone marrow condition where the bone marrow fails to produce red/ white cells and platelets in 2017 after a routine blood test and although I didn't feel ill, I was told it was a serious condition.

I have been in hospital for the treatment and am now on medication. It is a long journey and I am told that no improvement will show for three to six months, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I found it really hard to come to terms with the condition as I felt so well except for bleeding every time I knocked myself on my legs and bruising everywhere. Having been a fitness instructor for the last twenty years have tried to keep my classes running so far although sometimes it is hard. People who have aplastic anaemia have a very low immune system so have to be careful of catching colds and coughs.

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust is a small charity and thanks to them I have received support and help from them and other members who have the same condition. Without this support it can be very lonely and scary, the doctors and nurses are great but when you feel unwell maybe because of side effects from medication or just feeling unwell and you don't want to worry your family, there is always someone on the AA FB page who will put your mind at rest.

Rosalind Conway