Lesley battled blood cancer for ‘second chance at life’

AS Lesley Calder stood at the finishing line of the ‘Silent Night Walk’ marathon in London at the weekend – a venture she completed in aid of Cancer Research UK – she paused for a moment amidst the fervour and festivities, cheers and tears, to collect her thoughts.

Not only had the Omagh native helped to raise just under £5,000 for leukaemia research by completing the meandering course alongside her loved ones, but she had also raised much awareness about the illness, and exuberantly rekindled her dormant passion for long-distance walking after surviving aggressive blood cancer herself.

For Lesley, the latter meant everything: After being the recipient of a bone marrow transplant, she was walking to provide hope to cancer patients; in gratitude for the miracles that research has already achieved; and in tribute of being given ‘a chance at life again’.

Raising awareness

As September is ‘Blood Cancer Awareness’ month, this week, the brave woman has opened up about about her personal battle with ‘Acute Myeloid Leukaemia’ to help others spot its warning signs and symptoms – especially as they are exceptionally discreet, and early diagnosis of blood cancer is vital for survival.

Lesley, who is the daughter of Katharine and the late Harold Wilson, who founded the former high street business, The Carlisle Bookshop, is living proof that much can change in just four weeks.

“My symptoms and the high level extent of the cancer all came about within the space of a month,” Lesley reflected. “I was told at diagnosis that without treatment at best I had just six-to-eight weeks left and was already at high risk of a fatal bleed. “Acute leukaemias are exactly that; hence the need for better awareness.”

Lesley’s story begin in July 2019, where she felt as if she ‘had the worst flu ever’.

“I had persistent infections; unexplained bruising; breathlessness; constant fatigue; a lack of appetite; I was very pale; suffered night sweats; and had bleeding gums,” Lesley described. “I was seeing a GP throughout the month for infections that just weren’t clearing.”

On the afternoon of August 5, 2019 after a blood test, the former Omagh Academy student was contacted by a GP who suspected that she had leukaemia, and she was directed to go to the nearest A&E for fear of a fatal bleed.

Further tests established the extent of the leukaemia – and pointed to a high chance of a relapse in the future without a stem cell transplant being included in her treatment plan.

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT

In November 2019, Lesley’s kind-hearted sisters, Ann Hargreaves and Robyn McIntosh came forward for testing as potential donors – and after lots of medical tests, her sister, Ann was chosen as the best full match.

In December 2019, Christmas came early for Lesley: She received her bone marrow transplant.

“But I had to wait until the new ‘Ann’ blood/immune system had started to grow before I could go home,: which was January 6, 2020,” Lesley recalled.

And even though it takes approximately two years for a full recovery from a transplant, the first 100 days after the procedure are critical for success.

“This is because you are starting with an immature, incomplete and untested immune system, vulnerable to any, and all, infection.

“I even need all the baby jabs again.

“But I am one of the lucky ones,” Lesley said. “So far, I’m in remission with only minor issues, although I will always have to take care to avoid infections.

“The main goals now are to get my fitness back, rediscover my passion for long-distance walking – and raise awareness and funds for blood cancer to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

If you have been touched by Lesley’s story, please consider becoming a blood donor or an organ donor.

“Many cancer patients have a particular and vital need for transfusions of blood, platelets and plasma to help them survive their cancer and it’s treatment,” Lesley said. “Register and participate in regular blood donations at ‘www.blood.co.uk’.

“Or, for someone diagnosed with blood cancer, a blood stem cell donation from a matching donor could be their last chance of survival.

“To register as a potential blood stem cell donor, please visit: ‘www.anthonynolan.org’ or ‘www.dkms.org.uk’ and go on standby to save a life.”

l For more information, or if you would like to donate to Lesley’s fantastic cause, please visit: fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/lesleys-giving-page-298