Charity No. 1078183
Testimonials
Emma Rogers
Monday 17th March 2008
Today I was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Myloid Leukaemia (APML) – I am 19 years old.
Sunday 16th March 2008
I went for my blood tests and although I was initially told they would send my results to my GP for Thursday, the doctor said I should have the results by the afternoon and I would receive a call if there was anything unusual. Mum received a call at about 1pm asking me to go in saying they’d found something in my blood but wanted to discuss it with me.. I was informed that there were some abnormalities in my blood and I had a low blood count in all 3 of the major cells that make up our blood, white cells, red cells and platelets (the ones you need to stop you from bruising and help your blood to clot). I was admitted to a private side room on Lillybrook ward.
Monday 17th March 2008
I was taken to my new ward, called Rendcomb side rooms where things started to piece together as we followed all the signs for Oncology but of course nothing had been said yet. In the new ward my room is much better with all the same amenities and a plasma TV with digital, DVD Player and a fridge and a CD player! Very V.I.P!
When I reached the ward mum and my friend Emma were waiting for me, but this room has a vacuum to keep the air positive and the germs out because of my really low immune system, so they had to take their outside clothing off and leave any flowers and bits they brought for me and have a wash up! Dr Chown sat us down and explained about the malignant cells in my blood. She asked if I had any ideas about what this could mean and explained to me that it was leukaemia. She told me about the type I have and how rare it is, she also talked about my treatment and how high my chances are.
I had my obs taken again and was given some fluids and antibiotics, I was also started on ATRA (all-trans-retinoic acid), one of my leukaemia killing drugs, just a small pill that targets my cells where they mutate in my bone marrow to stop my body producing any more malignant cells. Then I was left to rest for the night and talk to my family.
This is an extract from the diary of 20 year old Emma Rogers who was 19 when she started her treatment. This story has a happy ending because thanks to the expertise of the doctors and nurses looking after Emma, she is now back at home, in remission from her leukaemia. She still has maintenance treatment to make sure her remission is long term. The work that LINC does in purchasing state of the art equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia, its support of Rendcomb Side Rooms, and the fact that we can attract high quality staff is all part of LINC’s amazing story.
Rosie Dalton
Improving the quality of life for his patients was always of prime concern to my husband, Bob. He was always mulling over ideas he had for developing the haematology service. LINC was one of those ideas that really took, off thanks to Gill.
Bob was very proud of LINC’s success, and in particular with the way the charity was able to build a new outpatient suite after only 5 years of fund raising. He was closely involved in its design but sadly by the time it was officially opened, Bob was very ill with cancer. He managed to leave his hospital bed for a few hours during the evening after the official opening and together we enjoyed listening to the glorious voices of Jose Carreras and Bryn Terfel at an open air concert in aid of LINC. It was a magical evening that I will never forget.
After Bob died, I wanted to continue to support the work of LINC in the way he would have wanted. He was a great believer in the value of research outside centres of excellence and had been involved in discussions with Cranfield University about various projects. He wanted Cheltenham General Hospital to attract high calibre staff and saw that an involvement with research was one way of achieving this. I felt very honoured and proud when I heard that a research post had been established in his name. It means a lot to his parents, children, brothers, extended family and friends that his name is associated with something he believed in.
I am extremely pleased that LINC continues to be a success and has been able to help so many people suffering from leukaemia and other cancers of the blood in the way that envisioned.
Sir Geoff Hurst
Its my pleasure to continue to work with LINC. My own experience tells me that helping a local charity that directly helps friends and family in my neighbourhood is definitely worth supporting.
Neil Holbrook
Archaeologist and Chief Executive of Cotswold Archaeology
I have been involved with Linc now for a number of years. It is an excellent charity which works tirelessly for the good of its patients. The commitment and enthusiasm of everyone involved is inspirational, and I have thoroughly enjoyed helping with fund raising. Linc seems to go from strength to strength.
Martin Horwood
MP Liberal Democrats
“I know from my own family’s experience that cancer and the treatments that go with it can be frightening and stressful. LINC exists to hold your hand at times like these, provide a friendly and welcoming environment and help to make sure the professional care provided is the best it can be. It’s an enormously valuable local charity. Please support it.”
Colin Dexter
Only once (so far) have I been to talk to the LINC Charity, yet so much was I able to learn then about its manifold activities. A few years ago I was invited by a national newspaper to submit my most memorable couplet in English Literature, and I chose two lines from A. E. Housman:
And I will friend you, if I may, In the dark and cloudy day.
Yes, that’s what we all need in those cloudy days, and that’s what LINC is: a friend to help – and to help hugely – when any of us is faced with the daunting and frequently frightening sequence of (take your pick!) cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hospitalization, financial hardship, psychological distress… Alas, the list can be endless.
But what a combination of services LINC brings to cancer-sufferers! A selection (take your pick!) of medical expertise, intensive treatment, experienced are, practical assistance, psychological support, financial help… What else? Oh yes! Devoted patience and love.
I feel proud to be associated with this wonderful worthwhile charity.
