Hello, my name’s Katherine and I’m a primary school teacher from Burton-on-Trent (Staffordshire, UK). In April 2013 I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) following a visit to the accident and emergency department at the local hospital. Everything changed from that moment onwards. I underwent a grueling schedule of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before I had a stem cell transplant in October 2013 - I’m eternally grateful to the Anthony Nolan charity and my mystery German donor for this life-saving transplant. I’ve spent more than 110 days in hospital since my diagnosis - the majority of which has been spent at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. I’m constantly in the media as I try to raise awareness, raise money and increase the number of blood, organ and stem cell donors - as well as campaigning Government with new ideas and requests for change.

Achievements

East Midlands regional finalist for a 2014 Pride of Britain Award

Winner of the 101 Touch FM ‘Pride of Burton’ award - June 2014.

Winner - ‘Champion the Year’ - Cure Leukaemia awards - October 2014

Finalist in the ‘Best in Care’ awards with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham - October 2014

Regional Journalist of the Year (joint with my husband Stephen) - Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2014

Commended - ‘Volunteer of the Year’ - Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2014

Read why I am on a mission to increase donor numbers CLICK HERE

Pride of Britain Awards 2014 - Read about my experience CLICK HERE