Patient Case Study: Matthew Cox (Bristol)
Patient Matthew talks openly about what is keeping him motivated during "the hardest time of his life".
Morgan Paine will push through the pain barrier to run a Half Marathon for Cure Leukaemia – two years after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).
Morgan is currently undergoing treatment for ALL at our Trials Acceleration Centre at the CCH, based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
He was diagnosed on 21st November 2019 and has been on maintenance chemotherapy since September 2020.
Despite still battling the disease, Morgan is determined to offer hope to fellow sufferers by doing something epic.
He told us: “When I was diagnosed, I was quickly transferred to the Young Persons Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
“I was put into a medically induced coma to try to save my life. Thankfully even though I was given a very small chance of surviving, I did – and I continue to receive the treatment that was researched by Cure Leukaemia, with the support of Teenage Cancer Trust nurses.
“Without that, I doubt I would still be here so I am determined to do something to show my unbelievable appreciation.
“Having started the maintenance chemotherapy, I was able to restart my fitness journey.
“When I came out of ITU I had to learn to walk again but little by little over the months that have followed I have slowly regained large amounts of my former fitness through steady incremental training.
“That’s all while still undergoing chemotherapy treatment both daily at home and monthly at hospital.
“Obviously now, I am doing this challenge to prove to myself that this can be done while still undergoing cancer treatment.
“I wanted to prove to myself that even through the adversity of have cancer it is still possible to achieve your goals and fulfil your passions.
“My passions have always included fitness and helping others. I hope my story and this challenge can be the start of helping and inspiring others.
“I want to send a message to all those undergoing similar treatments that anything is possible.”
Morgan, whose Half Marathon will span his house to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, is raising money for three charities in total – Cure Leukaemia, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity and Teenage Cancer Trust.
You can support Morgan by visiting his JustGiving page.
Patient Matthew talks openly about what is keeping him motivated during "the hardest time of his life".
Cure Leukaemia is thrilled to announce that Cassidy Group has joined as a proud partner, taking on the role of back-of-shirt sponsor for the highly anticipated 'Run The Nations' event.