Full circle moment for ELF's new Volunteer Driver

This week we welcomed a new Volunteer Driver (and a familiar face) to our Transport Service team.

Mark Shaw was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in July 2023 - a group of conditions where the bone marrow does not work properly and makes faulty blood cells. Following his successful recovery, Mark was keen to 'give back' to ELF and help others facing their own blood cancer journey. 

Mark recalls: "Following my diagnosis in 2023, I started a journey of treatment and recovery. This started on Yarty Ward, which included two rounds of chemotherapy and two lengthy hospital stays. During this time, I received fabulous care from the medical team and was well supported by ELF's services. Following a stem cell transplant at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, and another period in hospital, I was discharged in February 2024 to begin a lengthy recovery period at home monitored regularly by clinicians on Birch Ward. During my journey I met many fellow blood cancer patients , young and old, and was struck by their determination to fight this illness."

Mark is a keen cyclist and, during his recovery, he undertook the Moor to Coast cycling challenge, successfully raising an impressive £1,500 for ELF. He was even joined by Yarty Ward Matron, Nikki, on some of his training cycles, a goal that the pair set whilst Mark was undergoing his treatment. (Yarty ward Patient & Nurse join forces in epic cycling challenge | Exeter Leukaemia Fund)

 Now, following his all clear status after 2 years in remission, Mark was free to join ELF as a Volunteer Driver, who assist ELF's Transport Service during busy periods and cover staff sickness and annual leave. Mark completed his first patient journey this week and there was even time for a reunion photo with Nikki (though this time without the bike!). Mark hopes that his empathy and understanding gained from his own blood cancer experience will comfort and inspire the patients he will now be supporting as an ELF Volunteer.

To find out about becoming an ELF Volunteer driver, please email enquire@elfcharity.org.uk