Molly's Story
Molly was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) as a child and spent two years in treatment - missing school, friends, and the chance to just be a child. She was lucky to go home just before Christmas. But many children aren’t.
Now, Molly works as a nurse on the same ward where she was treated. Her experience helps her connect deeply with families.
This Christmas, your support could help fund life-saving research and give more children the chance to go home and create joyful memories.
Cracking the code of childhood leukaemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Children with ALL produce too many white blood cells called lymphoblasts, which crowd out normal blood cells and cause symptoms like fatigue, infections, and bruising.
Dr Lisa Russell and her team are investigating how specific genes behave incorrectly in ALL, triggering a cascade of events that leads to cancer. Their goal is to understand this process and identify ways to stop it.
Her team is testing drugs that could block the faulty gene behaviour and prevent cancer cells from growing. These treatments aim to be more targeted and less toxic, improving outcomes and quality of life for children with ALL.
“I love stories like Molly’s. A story of someone who fought her own battle and now comes back fighting for others. It reminds us why we do this work.”
Every moment spent in the lab counts, and each donation is vital.
Join the incredible supporters who are funding research and saving lives.
Because people with blood cancer can't wait
We've launched a new research strategy, with a plan to double our investment in new research awards to £70 million over the next five years. Thanks to your support, we know we can get there.