Steve’s Story

Is there a particular reason you’ve chosen to support Cure Leukaemia?

“By 2014, after two years of wonderful treatment including three rounds of chemo under Dr Shafeek in Worcester and a stem cell transplant under Prof Craddock at QE, I was eventually cured.

A significant factor in my treatment was being one of the first UK patients to join a trial funded by Cure Leukaemia to develop a more accurate test for leukaemia.”

Where did the idea come from?

“After my wonderful, lifesaving treatment for AML, I considered the idea of setting up an annual donation of £100. But I decided I could make better use of the money if I invested it into local fundraising.

Having retired from being a lecturer in Plant Sciences (specialising in plant diseases), it was immediately obvious that growing healthy, hardy perennials and selling them at the garden gate was my best option!”

What exactly do you do in terms of plant production?

“Each year I produce about 600 pots of hardy perennials to add to plant donations from some locals. Most are propagated by divisions and I also purchase seeds for interesting new plants each year.

This year, plant sales were boosted by a harvest of 700 figs from my prolific fig tree, which enjoyed the hot summer.”

How much have you raised over the years?

“Since 2020, plant sales from outside our garden have been about £10,500.

Before that, between 2014 and 2019, the total donations—including car boot sales and other fundraising events—totalled about £6,000.

So overall, about £16,500.”

Do you have any tips for other fundraisers?

“Self-funding of production costs, and being able to clearly state that ‘100% of payments for plants goes to Cure Leukaemia’ is a significant factor in maximising sales.

Make sure that you train a young neighbour to water your plants when you are away!

If selling at a car boot sale, trade sometimes becomes quiet, so I have a trick up my sleeve to gather a mini crowd. The disappearing red handkerchief is symbolic of Cure Leukaemia! I even received a £10 donation from an adjacent stall holder who wanted to know how it worked!”