2024 was a busy year for Exeter Leukaemia Fund as we launched new services, welcomed new staff and volunteers, and offered more support to patients and families living in Devon affected by blood cancer. All of this is only possible because of you. Your contributions bring hope and comfort to those in need, and for that, we are truly thankful.
Together, we are making strides toward a brighter future for those impacted by blood cancer.
Thank you!
MARY'S STORY
Mary was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2018. Six months of chemotherapy and 25 bouts of radiotherapy followed, before Mary's cancer went into remission. Unfortunately, Mary's cancer returned, this time more aggressively. She underwent a stem cell transplant and much more invasive chemo.
Your gifts have enabled Mary to receive the support she and her family needed. This included transport to and from her hospital appointments, counselling, and assistance in applying for the benefits she was entitled to. Mary is now cancer-free, but she has been left with a very low immune system and can no longer work.
Of her experience, Mary said "When my husband was really stressed and trying to work, my daughter was at school and I wasn't well, having ELF to support us was fantastic. Just knowing they were there meant a lot."
2024 in Numbers
51,142 Miles travelled by ELF drivers
£477,870 Funds raised
28 Accommodation rooms used
120 Counselling referrals
108 Volunteers gave their support
6,587 Drinks served in Filling Time
YARTY DARTMOOR TREK
On Saturday 14th September, nine NHS staff members from Yarty Ward and the Haematology Centre tackled a 'Dartmoor in a Day' trekking challenge in aid of ELF.
The team raised £3,300 in sponsorship from their Dartmoor trek. Thank you to David, Dawn, Jodie, Nicki, the three Rachels, Sarah and Tom for their efforts and for their ongoing dedication to the patients and families in their care.
Advanced Clinical Practitioner and ELF Fellow Rachael Jones said "Thank you to everyone for your support and donations! We had a wonderful day on Dartmoor; the weather couldn't have been more perfect and everyone did so well."
HOSPITAL PROJECTS
The Crediton ELF Fundraising Group presented Yarty Ward with two new fridges for the patient isolation rooms, purchased with funds from one of their bingo events. The fridges are used to store patients’ snacks and drinks, whilst they spend weeks at a time in hospital with suppressed immune systems.
Your support has enabled ELF to purchase two high risk procedure tabards for the Yarty team, which are being used to advise patients and staff when critical high risk procedures are taking place, along with a Chemotheraphy Backpack and CADD pump. Chemotherapy treatment at home can now be offered using the ward’s new computerised ambulatory delivery device (CADD).
Thanks to your support, we have now awarded seven Fellowships to haematology staff working to improve their skills and knowledge in the field. In 2024 a Fellowship was awarded to Apprentice Nurse Jade, to enable her to complete her training with a view to working on Yarty Ward when fully qualified.
“I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to progress in my career as a registered nurse. This really would have been a struggle if it wasn’t for your support.” Jade Miller
PATIENT SUPPORT GROUPS
Receiving a diagnosis of a blood cancer can come as a huge shock to patients. The patient support group, which has been running for 12 months and is facilitated by the NHS and ELF, can really help. Recently diagnosed patients tell us they feel a sense of reassurance and relief from others who are further on with their treatment. Hearing from patients living well and staying active for many years post treatment, also gives patients a new perspective and hope for the future. Following the group's success, we plan to extend the programme into other areas within Devon.
In November 2024 ELF also started a family support group. A blood cancer diagnosis does not just affect the patient; it can affect their whole family. We know that being a carer can be very stressful. Being able to share experiences with others in similar situations can help carers to feel less alone.
For more information about support groups, please email enquire@elfcharity.org.uk
FILLING TIME
Volunteer Nick first became aware of ELF in 2016, when his wife Karena was diagnosed with bone marrow dysplasia after a routine blood test. Karena received treatment on Yarty Ward while Nick spent many hours in the Yarty Waiting Room. Both received support from ELF and the NHS teams, who Karena referred to as her “new best friends.” Sadly, Karena lost her battle with the disease in August 2018. Nick became determined to support the work of ELF, through volunteering and fundraising.
In 2023, Nick began volunteering in the Filling Time Kiosk with ELF team member Marion. Towards the end of 2024, Nick offered to run a pilot programme to extend the kiosk opening hours. The pilot was so successful Filling Time will now be opening for longer hours on a permanent basis, with Nick at the helm every Monday. Support from volunteers like Nick ensures ELF can help more patients than ever before.
Thank you to Nick, and to all of our wonderful volunteers.
FESTIVE FUN
December saw a bumper festive season, thanks to our partnership with Exeter's Princesshay Shopping Centre, whose prime location gave us visibility in the heart of the city. With the help of Santa himself, hundreds of families learnt about ELF's vital work, whilst our wonderful volunteers collected over £3,000 in donations.
One young Bramble Ward leukaemia patient celebrated ringing the cancer-free bell with a
VIP meeting with Santa then switching on Princesshay’s Christmas lights. The fun-filled month also featured festive performances from local choirs, including our long-standing partner, River City Chorus, whilst the Exeter City Community Trust Santa Run saw ELF fundraisers, including 40 from Newton St. Cyres Primary School, run the city streets in Santa costumes.
A heart-warming month of businesses, volunteers and the local community coming together to raise funds for families whose Christmas had been impacted by blood cancer.
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
At ELF we want every blood cancer patient in Devon to have the best possible outcome. We offer a range of services to patients across the county to help support them throughout their journey.
You can make a difference by remembering ELF in your Will. For more information about leaving a legacy, please contact our friendly team.
Illustration by local artist: Helen Leslie
This beautiful reworking of our logo is full of meaning:
Oak leaves for strength and steadfastness
Beech leaves for protecting life
Maple leaves for connection between heaven and earth
Forget-me-nots for remembrance
Lilies for healing, remembrance and peace
Daffodils for hope