Turning hope into action: Barnstaple woman supports Exeter Leukaemia Fund

A Barnstaple woman is raising money and awareness for a charity which supports leukaemia patients in the North Devon area, after the role it played in her life-saving treatment.

Claire Willmer held a fundraiser at Pilton Church Hall on Sunday, December 14, which generated £1,400 to support the Exeter Leukaemia Fund, (ELF) a registered charity providing vital support to patients with blood cancer and other disorders, who attend the haematology centre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E).

ELF was founded in 1980 by Dr Miles Joyner, a consultant haematologist at the RD&E. Dr Joyner wanted to improve the lives of patients with blood cancer and blood disorders through improved facilities, better equipment and the funding of research.

It is the leading patient-led support organisation for families affected by blood cancer in the South West.

Over this time, ELF has:

* Helped fund and build the RD&E Haematology Centre

* Funded the building of a critical care unit at the RD&E's Yarty ward, and the Chevithorne family suite

* Funded haematological research projects

* Funded NHS nurses and support roles

* Funded specialist equipment and fittings for the haematology centre

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Claire was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in May of last year, at the age of 42.

The mum-of-three explained: “I basically had multiple infections that just wouldn't clear, a tooth abscess and a very sore throat. I went to see the doctor because I thought it was tonsillitis, but the antibiotics they gave me just weren't making it any better.

“Unfortunately, at the time, my auntie had passed and then my father-in-law also passed away in quick succession, so I just kind of put it down to that.”

Claire went to the emergency department at the North Devon District Hospital needing more antibiotics, but within three hours was given blood tests and diagnosed with leukaemia.

She said: “That was three o'clock in the morning and then by 10 o'clock, they took me by blue lights into Exeter to start treatment. I didn't have a clue what was going on. I was wearing my pyjamas. I didn't have any stuff with me.”

She initially began six weeks of chemotherapy treatment on the Yarty Ward at the RD&E, then moved on to the Chevithorne family suite, which is funded by ELF.

Above: The Chevithorne Suite, funded by ELF

Claire said: “It's absolutely incredible. It is a massive room with patio doors that lead out onto a little garden that's all enclosed.

“I had a big bathroom and a guest room so that my parents could come up. My kids stayed over as well at one point.

“There was a kitchen so I could make my own food, because, obviously, your taste changes so much. And when you're in hospital for sort of six weeks at a time, sometimes you don't want the hospital food. So I had that, and the quality of care was amazing.”

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After a week at home, she returned for another six weeks of treatment and was then put on a stem cell transplant programme at the Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, in September 2024.

Claire’s donor, who she has never met, came over from the USA to donate and she hopes one day to be able to thank them.

She added: “I was told that if I didn't have the stem cell transplant, there was maybe a 40 percent chance of my leukaemia returning. And then there'd be nothing they could do.”

In addition to the transplant, Claire had at least 26 transplants of blood and platelets, as well as also ongoing counselling from ELF.

She said: “I feel nothing but gratitude for everyone that supported me.”

 As well as supporting ELF, Claire wants to raise awareness of the importance of blood and platelet donation and the stem cell register, run by the Anthony Nolan charity.

Claire’s event featured tea and cake, live music and a raffle for a range of prizes including luxury hampers.

Andy Jordan, development manager at Exeter Leukaemia Fund, said: “We are delighted to receive Claire's support from this brilliant event, and it has been wonderful to witness her recovery from blood cancer.

“ELF supports patients across Devon, not just in Exeter, and so we are very grateful to Claire for helping to raise our profile in Barnstaple, where many families utilise our vital services including transport, counselling and financial assistance.

“ELF doesn't receive any government grants and so fundraising events such as Claire's are vital to the charity's survival. Thank you, Claire!”

For more information on the Exeter Leukaemia Fund, visit www.elfcharity.org.uk

For more information on registering to become a stem cell donor, visit the Anthony Nolan website at: https://www.anthonynolan.org

What is acute myeloid leukaemia?

The NHS defines leukaemia as cancer of the white blood cells. Acute leukaemia means it progresses quickly and aggressively and usually requires immediate treatment.

The symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) usually develop over a few weeks and become worse over time. These can include:

* looking pale or ‘washed out’

* feeling tired or weak

* breathlessness

* frequent infections

* unusual and frequent bruising or bleeding, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds

* losing weight without trying to

The NHS says you should speak to a GP if you or your child have possible symptoms of AML.

Although it is highly unlikely that leukaemia is the cause, these symptoms should be investigated.