Surrey: Child cancer survivor backs treatment research

A mother from Surrey who survived leukaemia as a child is backing research to find gentler cancer treatments for children and vulnerable patients.

Hannah Moore, 28, from Guildford, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was just two-and-a-half years old.

She underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, regular blood tests and lumbar punctures before going into remission. But doctors said a side-effect of the treatment meant Hannah could have been left infertile as an adult.

Now, after having three children, Hannah says she is proud to support the life-changing work being funded by research charity Leukaemia UK.

She said: "When I was 18, I went for my last appointment on the children's ward and they talked me through the possible long-term effects including on my heart, which would need regular monitoring, and also that it was very unlikely I would be able to have children and I would probably have early menopause."

When Hannah met her now-husband, Carl, at the age of 21, they began trying for children.

"I was so relieved when I did fall pregnant," she said.

"I would have been heartbroken if I hadn't been able to have children. They were all completely normal pregnancies and babies, although the consultants did keep a close eye on me throughout.

"It was such an amazing feeling when each baby was here safely. Now, I just want to be the best mother I can be for them.

"I am incredibly proud to support the charity Leukaemia UK. The research taking place is incredible and is going to be lifesaving."

Each year, Leukaemia UK awards four £150,000 grants to early career researchers. One of those to receive funding, Dr Yang Li from University College London, is using the money to try to find gentler, more effective alternative treatments for vulnerable patients, such as children and people who have relapsed.

It is hoped that Dr Li's research will reduce the side effects that come with current treatments.