28th May is super important.. It’s World Blood Cancer Day. As a former Oncology Nursing Sister and proud Ambassador for DKMS, the Blood Cancer Charity, this weeks Blog is totally focused on sharing with you MORE about this very special day.
As always, I’d love you to grab a cuppa and find a comfy spot to read more about why it’s important, how you can get involved and much more.. Here we go..
Every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer.
DKMS
Shocking isn’t it?
So in the time it’s taken you to start reading this blog, someone has just received simply devastating news that they have Blood Cancer. It creates a huge ripple, affecting not just themselves, but their family, friends, collagues and so on..
On this day, every day and especially on World Blood Cancer Day on Sunday 28th May, I’m asking for your help: to help me spread awareness and support for DKMS and the incredible work they do – Every. Single. Day.
“A blood cancer diagnosis is a shock and often marks the start of a race against time. For many patients, their only chance of survival is to find a matching blood stem cell donor, as fast as possible.”
DKMS
What do you need to know?
The term “blood cancer” is a general description of various hematopoietic cancers; such as
Leukaemia; a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells in your bone marrow.
Lymphomas: constitute a large and diverse group of neoplasms originating from the lymphoid system. Depending on which cells in the lymphatic system the cancer originates from, it can cause different symptoms and affect different organs. Among lymphomas there are non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).
Multiple myeloma: Plasma cell myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the bone marrow.
This must watch two minute video from DKMS explains what blood cancer is and how the blood cancer develops:
What is DKMS?
DKMS is an international nonprofit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders. They are constantly working to convince as many people as possible to join the blood stem cell register. The best way to share with you just how important DKMS is by showing you this 3 minute video –
“My big dream is that every patient will be saved from blood cancer and other blood disorders.
When they get sick, we have a solution for them; whether it’s a donor, improving therapies through research, or simply helping to provide access to transplantation.
In this approach, we see no borders, believing that everyone, everywhere, deserves a second chance at life. We will keep fighting for them and keep spreading the word, recruiting donors, raising money.
Whatever it takes to make this dream a reality.”
Katharina Harf, daughter of the founder of DKMS and Vice Chairwoman of the DKMS Foundation Board
How you can help…?
There are so many ways you can help make your mark against Blood Cancer. You could help me to raise awareness, join the register, or take on a fundraising challenge. Anything you can do to help really does make a difference – even simply sharing this blog….
Order a swab kit online:Answer a few simple questions about yourself to make sure you’ll be able to safely donate if needed. If it’s a yes, then you’ll be directed to a page where you can request your swab kit online.
Swab your cheeks and return your kit: Swab the inside of your cheeks and send the swabs back to DKMS (there are instructions on the pack that you’ll be sent).
The swabs will then be analysed in the lab to determine your HLA (tissue) characteristics – this is how donors and patients are matched.
You’ll be added to the register: Once your samples have been analysed, you’ll be added to the register and you will be available for patients all around the world who are searching for a donor. Isn’t that amazing!
You are a match: If you come up as a potential match for someone, the donation process can begin. The DKMS team will be in touch as soon as possible.
They will ask you for a blood sample to confirm that you are the best possible match for the person in need of a transplant.
Peripheral blood stem cell donation: In 90% of cases, stem cells are collected peripherally (apheresis). This involves taking stem cells directly from the bloodstream. You’ll be able to have this done as an outpatient and it does not require surgery.
Bone marrow donation. In 10% of cases, the stem cells are collected from the back of your pelvic bone. This is carried out under general anaesthetic.
The patient receives your blood stem cells. The collected blood stem cells are transplanted to the patient, in a procedure similar to a blood transfusion.
A second chance at life. Your job is done and your incredible donation will help to give someone a second chance at life.
World Blood Cancer Day is Sunday 28th May
“We celebrate life every day”
DKMS Motto
How else can I help?
Make It Red
This year DKMS have launched the #makeitred theme. If you decide to make a red cake, turn your social media red, don a red jumper, put on red shoes or apply red lipstick. It’s totally fine by us. whatever you choose, let’s make it red!
Blood Cancer Patients needs our help more than ever after the pandemic. We are in urgent need of new potential lifesavers to sign up, so why not consider sharing a selfie wearing something red using the hashtag #MakeItRed.
Nominate a family member or friend to do the same and make sure they order a home swab kit.
You’ll be in good company, because you’ll be joined by some of our amazing celebrity supporters, as well as some much appreciated political support from MP’s, who will all be making it red to support DKMS.
“4 out of 10 people looking for an unrelated matching donor worldwide are not able to find a match. But you can help us change this.”
DKMS
Make a donation or get involved in my Mission 50!
It costs DKMS £40 to register just one potential blood stem cell donor. Not everyone who signs up is able to contribute towards this cost, so they need our help. As DKMS say ” you provide the hope and they will cover the rest!”
There are many ways you can support and raise valuable funds – including using give as you shop, via easy fundraising.which means you can raise FREE donations for Mission 50 and DKMS, every time you shop online. Over 4,000 shops and sites will donate to this page when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!
These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to me and the Charity, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support @DKMS_UK and I. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.
“The aftermath of the pandemic means blood cancer patients need our help more than ever, and we are in urgent need of new potential lifesavers to sign up to join our register.”
DKMS
Join me in the 5km virtual run, jog or walk. This is our second year hosting the event and I’d love you to take part.
Buy a Perfect Touch Collection, a stunning collection of products to treat your hands. For every collection sold, £5 is donated to Mission 50 for DKMS. Find out more
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this blog. I’m passionate about doing what I can, to help DKMS do what they can, in their Mission. I’m a firm believer that, we can all do a little something to support others – TODAY I’ve love you to show your support for DKMS.
I’d be so grateful if you can please share this post – we need to get the important information to as many people as possible and YOU can help that.. Click the little arrow and share away.
I’m going to show you how you can save a life by doing three things today. Saving a life sounds pretty dramatic doesn’t it? However, in this Blog, I’ll be sharing simple tools that’ll help in less than 2 minutes.
” Knowing that little bag of goodness is potentially going to save someone’s life who you’ve never met is incredibly hard to describe until you do it!
It’s the most surreal feeling, so to anyone thinking about it – do it!”
Jade, stem cell donor
2. Talk!!
Yes, so simple but SO effective. Only 3% of the populations are on the Stem Cell register. Many don’t know about the incredible work that DKMS do…
We can change that..
Please help me spread the word.. Tell your friends, share this link and together we can help so many more people by raising awareness and funds for this super important cause, close to my heart.
Every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer.
Whenever you shop, the “donation reminder” will flash up reminding you the company you are shopping with will donate a percentage of your order to the Mission 50.
It sounds too good to be true but it really isn’t! There are hundreds of brands involved so whether you’re completing your online food shopping or renewing your pet insurance, you can add valuable pennies to DKMS without doing anything at all!
You can turn your weekly grocery shopping into big donations for DKMS_UK when you use easyfundraising. They’ve even put together all the latest donations and offers from your favourite supermarkets in one place!
Not only that…
You can WIN daily prizes worth £100 for yourself by entering the #easyfundraising Summer of Fun giveaway until 31st July!
For an entry, visit their competition page and shop with any of the listed brands. The FREE donations you raise will also make a BIG difference to us, so please take a moment to get involved! Visit here and find out more…
Finally;
Follow me on instagram for more regular updates on what crazy things I’m up to and how you can support.
Here’s what’s coming up!
July 2024
Virtual 5km Fun Run or walk.
For the third year running, I’m hosting I have fab news that if you missed the virtual 5km run / walk on 7th July, you can still join in! 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 5𝐤𝐦? Anytime before the end of 31st July 2022 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥? Take a selfie, share on your social media, using the hashtag #mission50fordkms and I’ve just run 5km for @dkms_uk and @Claire_womanonamission We will then send you a medal as a thank you for taking part!
Virtual Ride from SWDevon to DKMS HQ in Chiswick
You may remember in March I cycled from DKMS HQ, London to DKMS HQ in Germany, totalling over 330 miles? Well, I’m at it again!
This time from West to East!
A total of 220.8 miles on the Keiser bike! Huge thanks to Digme Fitness for their ongoing support.
August 2022
Turns out I’m a little bonkers! Shh, don’t answer that! My two teenagers and I are throwing ourselves out of a plane at 17,000ft, free falling for 60 seconds and skydiving to the ground. All for @dkms_uk
This alternative triathlon involves a 17km cycle across Snowdonia National Park, a 14km trek up Snowdon and 4km paddle round the stunning Llyn Padarn. Take in the sights of the UK’s wildest adventure playground, challenge yourself, and raise money to help delete blood cancer!
Join the Team This will be a 100% DKMS event, so a great way to meet fellow supporters and feel part of Team DKMS.
I was really hoping to be able to run my 5th London Marathon in London, but it was not meant to be. Instead, I have a virtual place and will be trekking along the South West Coastal Path whilst the masses run the streets of London.
There’s a lot more planned so keep posted..
If there’s one thing you do today is to remember there are three ways you can help save a life:
Welcome to the first of 12 months of Missions for DKMS! Februarys’ Mission 50 starts with a bang with a month long Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, with the draw happening on 1st March. I have a small matter of a 5km race to do too.. As you may have seen from my Instagram posts and Strava, this is no mean feat for me, but that’s the point I guess!
There have been over £1650 of incredible prizes donated to the Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, I’m so very thankful to everyone who’s supported.
As a proud Ambassador for DKMS_UK and former Oncology nurse, I feel very privileged to be celebrating my 50th birthday in February 2022 – that got me thinking! What if I could do something to raise awareness for DKMS around the number 50??
What if I made it my Mission in the year 2022 to raise as much awareness and as many funds as possible? I started playing around with ideas and Mission 50 was born!
My aim is to complete some challenges and events linking the number 5 during my 50th year and whilst doing so, raise as close to £50K as I can..
Let’s be honest – 50K is A LOT OF MONEY…
Over 12 months that’s raising an average of £4,166.66 a month.
Which equates to raising a £961.53 a week ….. with my Mission to do this by Feb 1st 2023… We can do that – can we???
Now I know this is a little crazy, but my motto has always been to #dreamitliveit!!
Even if I raise £500 and increase the numbers of conversations there are about Blood cancer and Stem Cell Transplant – then that’s a Mission accomplished..
I’ve always said if we set the thermostat in our homes, to 18 degrees, then the temperature reaches 18 degrees.. So I’m aiming high and reach for the stars or in this case £50K!!
Let’s see what we collectively can do!
Please donate what you can. Each ticket is £5.
If you donate £10, that’s 2 tickets, £20 = 4 tickets etc, etc
I am a huge fan of paying it forward and random acts of kindness and now, more than ever, I think we all need a little something to brighten our day and week.
I am beyond excited to share with you that behind the scenes I have been working on my very own Random Act of Kindness Mission in order to raise much needed awareness and funds for @DKMS_UK
I’ve called upon some of my favourite brands and friends to help me with my Mission, which in turn gives YOU a little something back too! Not only that – it might help solve a Birthday present or Mothers Day dilemma you have or maybe you’d just love a treat for you, all whilst supporting this wonderful charity..
Either way, thank you for joining me and supporting.
When considering how much you donate and therefore how many times you enter this fabulous raffle, please consider this:
❣️Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or melanoma.
❣️Someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer every 27 seconds.
❣️30% of people diagnosed find a donor match within their family, that’s why kits to find donors are so important.
I am incredibly grateful for the incredible friends and brands who have so very kindly supported me with my Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, without whom, it really wouldn’t have been possible.
The prizes include:
A Magical Experience from Blank Canvas Hire
The Winner of this incredible prize is given the option to choose ONE of the following amazing experiences:
3 day hot tub hire
Bell tent sleepover for 4 guests
Bell tent picnic experience for up to 4 guests
A 3 night stay in one of their bell tents at Hook Farm Campsite, Lyme Regis.
The hire of any of the above must take place within 30 miles of our base at EX2 9UA or at Hook Farm Campsite if this option is chosen. The hire location may be extended to cover any of Devon, Cornwall or Somerset however travel will be chargeable.
The hire can take place at any time before May 2023, all bookings are subject to availability.
The wonderful team at the Chalk Pink Linen Company, who were voted Best Linen Bedding 2020 by The Independent, have kindly gifted a duvet set in any size and colour. Aren’t they stunning?
Natural Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, although soft and relaxed it is 30% stronger than cotton and is incredibly durable, enhancing its resilience to wear and abrasion, making it the quintessential choice for homewares. Along with being exceptionally eco-friendly during its production, linen really is quite a unique fabric.
Linen Bedding can enhance any style of interior, it boasts an open weave structure allowing the flow of air to cool you in the summer yet keeping you warm in the cooler months.
All Linen Duvet Sets are packaged in a bespoke linen bag and include pillowcases, Single Duvet Sets contain 1 pillowcase, Double, King and Super King Duvet Sets include 2 pillowcases.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
India & Albert is an artisan hand crafted jewellery brand led by English/Italian jewellery designer, Penny Albertella. Inspired by nature, heritage and beautiful Italian styling, based in Devon.
Penny says, “In these days of fast fashion, India & Albert is all about ‘slow, sustainable fashion’. I love the idea that my pieces may be dug up in a hundred years or they may still be being worn by generations that came after those who bought or were given them. I love to think of the stories they will have gathered from generation to generation. The stories of what they have meant to those who have worn them.”
Citrine Ring – ‘FIAMETTA Value £135.oo
Fiametta is a stunning ring with a 8mm citrine gemstone texture set in a recycled sterling silver collet on a textured, halo ring shank.
The ring shank is (band) is made from 2.5 mm round silver. The shank and setting are textured to give a rustic, and very contemporary, raw finish.
She will come to you beautifully packaged in a black gift box with gold wax seal. Fiametta is a size N but Penny will make another to your preferred size.
Click on the video left to get a gorgeous view of the Fi Amelia. Find India and Albert on Instagram and their website.
About Citrine Gemstones.
They are known as the “Light Maker,” this crystal varies in colour from a bright yellow to orange; colours which reflect its equally vibrant energy.
Like Vitamin C for the soul, the Citrine crystal properties emanate positivity and joy. By connecting with Citrine, you can harness the energy of light and the energy of the sun embodied within this stone, which acts as a source of positive energy in all aspects of your life.
From your attitude and outlook to your projects and pursuits, the Citrine crystal healing properties are perfectly suited to raise your vibration and help you embrace positivity and optimism as you move through life.
Citrine is a good stone for aligning all the chakras. It focuses on balancing the solar plexus chakra, which in turn integrates the lower and higher chakras.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Huge thank you to my favourite Basket Company who have kindly donated a £100 voucher to spend with them. You’ll be spoilt for choice with this fabulous prize. It will solve your storage solutions and will either start or fuel your basket obsession! Find The Basket Company on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Huge thank you to Bella Jane Jewellery who have very kindly donated a fabulous £50 voucher to spend with them. You’ll be spoilt for choice with this fabulous prize. I love my stacks and know you will too! Find Bella Jane Jewellery on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Bam Clothing has been very generous and have gifted the Raffle a £50 voucher and a £100 bundle of their gorgeous socks!
Their bamboo clothing isn’t just about softness. Bamboo is a performance fabric absorbing moisture and helping regulate your temperature. From running, yoga, walking and everyday cosy wear, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice!
Bamboo socks are a real treat for your feet! Once you’ve tried their super soft and incredibly comfy socks, with reinforced toe and heel, you won’t want to wear any other type of sock. (If you’ve seen my walks and workouts, you’ll know I can vouch for that!)
Add to this the fact that BAM socks wicks moisture away from your feet and don’t get smelly, and they keep your feet warm in winter and yet cool in summer, you’re bound to become a BAM addict.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Catherine makes and sell the moist stunning, unique, statement pieces designed to fit any outfit. She has very kindly donated theses stunning good hoop earrings worth £25. They are from the brand new collection; Amour Toujours. They come with beautifully handcrafted leather heart charms and red enamelled ones which you can wear together or on their own depending on your look and mood. Find Catherine on Instagram and her website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Rory and Ruby have very kindly donated a Luxury Pamper Hamper brimming with relaxing organic goodies. (Value £195. Free UK delivery) It’s an extra special treat with 9 gorgeous gifts including a traditional wicker hamper or basket. Natural, sustainable, ethically made and beautifully wrapped without plastic.
Cosy Reversible Organic Cotton Throw
Organic Cotton Hammam Towel
Organic Body & Bath Oil
Organic Himalayan Bath Salts
Natural Soy Candle infused organic essential oils
Natural Organic Atmosphere Mist
Organic Glycerine & Lavender Soap Block
Organic Terry Towel Body Cloth
Handmade in Scotland, Wildheart Organics luxury products only contain essential oils to maximise the therapeutic relaxing benefits and have no artificial fragrances. The brown glass containers are inspired by traditional apothecary bottles. Available in Escape signature aroma blend of geranium, orange & rosemary essential oils. Find Rory and Ruby on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
All On The Wall personalised graphic wall art will make a unique and fascinating statement in your home. Printed onto matt laminated aluminium, the eye-catching designs are one of a kind and an incredible talking point!
From the place of where you first met to the date of your wedding, all your special moments in words, captured in one stunning piece of art.
“For Claire’s amazing Mission 50 for DKMS, we are gifting a 60 x 60cm (or 60 x 90cm depending on the shape of your wall!)
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
The fabulous team at Neptune Weybridge have very kindly
The Social Syndicate
Esther from The Social Syndicate has kindly gifted a 60 minute coaching session (via zoom) to help you create a social media strategy and build your brand the right way on Instagram! Worth £150.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
The lovely team at the Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Clinic have very kindly donated a wonderful 60 minute 1:1 relaxation hypnotherapy session to be tailored to your needs that will leave you feeling incredible, calm and stress free! Worth £90, can be carried out on zoom or face to face if in or near Newcastle upon Tyne.
“We use a variety of client centred bespoke techniques in our clinic, as we believe one size does not fit all! Everyone’s mind map is different, therefore our techniques are focussed around our clients specific needs and will enable them to achieve their best results. After all… all hypnosis is self hypnosis.
Our treatment programmes are tailored to each client and most commonly start with an in depth initial consultation. This is where we assess your personal requirements and create a unique treatment plan for you, as well as giving you the experience of relaxation and confidence boosting hypnosis.
After this, we develop a programme with you, that is specific to you and your needs. We have a range of sessions and techniques available, where we guide you to achieving your goals and reframe any unwanted behaviours you may have.”
Find The Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Clinic on Instagram and on their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Antonia and her fabulous team at Tailor Made Living Store has very kindly donated the Elizabeth Scarlett Zebra Day Bag. (Value £47)
The fun and luxurious zebra day bag design was inspired by Elizabeth’s trip to Kenya for her honeymoon. Elizabeth who has been illustrating since she was little, drew the design based on the dazzles of zebras she encountered on her trip
Featuring embroidered zebra’s on a rich indigo velvet base, this day bag is the perfect companion for an escapist, ideally sized to hold all of your essentials for a day out in town.
Dimensions: 38x22cm
Material: 100% cotton velvet with cotton lining
Machine washable at 30 degrees
Embroidered with hand-illustrated Zebra Indigo
Gold zip closure
You can find Tailor Made Living Store on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Donated by Naomi @LifeofaCountryLady who says “This is a beautiful easy to use cookbook from Jamie Oliver. I moved to the countryside this time 2 years ago and got into growing my own veggies and this book goes through the seasons with lovely hints and tips and foodie inspiration from over a 100 recipes.
Jamie’s words ‘being at home, feeling relaxed and open…working with Mother Nature in my garden and seeing all the beautiful veggies coming out of the ground’ really resonates. Friends have joked we live like the characters in The Good Life 70s TV show!
You’ve always been such a big supporter of mine Claire and my country life journey. I’m thrilled to be able to support your random acts of kindness raffle and for such a wonderful cause and your mission 50 goal. I hope someone lucky wins this prize and enjoys it and has fun with it!”
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
I am incredibly grateful for the incredible friends and brands who have so very kindly supported me with my Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, without whom, it really wouldn’t have been possible.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle“
From your monthly household bills to your weekly shop, every click makes all the difference.
Exciting news! You can help me raise valuable funds for DKMS whilst you shop! It’s true – whenever you buy anything online, whether it be your weekly shop to your annual holiday, you could be raising free funds for DKMS_UK with easyfundraising.
There are over 6,000 shops and websites on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny to help me raise extra funds for DKMS_UK, the blood cancer charity. .
Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first find the site you want and start shopping.
After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to DKMS and #Mission50forDKMS at no extra cost to you whatsoever!
There are no catches or hidden charges and I alongside, DKMS will be really grateful for your donations.
You can visit the easyfundraising site before you shop, but better still, please add the donations reminder to your browser so that you don’t need to remember. It makes the world of difference.
The best part is that you don’t need to check if the donations are available on any given website as the donations reminder automatically alerts you.
Every donation helps, no matter how big or small and goes directly to DKMS.
If you can, please share my pledge and this page far and wide, and let’s see what we can do to help DKMS_UK find the lifesavers that are needed to save lives.
Order a swab kit online: Answer a few simple questions about yourself to make sure you’ll be able to safely donate if needed. If it’s a yes, then you’ll be directed to a page where you can request your swab kit online.
