By Angela Upex

Copyright manchestereveningnews

With a new blood cancer diagnosis every 27 seconds worldwide, Cure Leukaemia funds research nurses and clinical roles at blood cancer centres across the UK.

These roles provide patients with access to innovative and potentially life-saving treatments through clinical trials.

September is a hugely significant month in the fight against blood cancer. It marks both Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – a time to come together, reflect, and take action in support of the thousands of people whose lives are affected every day.

Cure Leukaemia is funding world-leading networks that are changing how blood cancer patients – both adults and children – can access cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials.

Helping patients across Manchester and beyond

In Manchester at both The Christie and Manchester Royal Infirmary, the charity funds a dedicated clinical research nurse who ensures patients have access to pioneering treatments and potentially life-saving clinical trials.

Cure Leukaemia’s support also extends to young patients and their families. The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is part of The ATICUS Network, a groundbreaking initiative bringing together leading centres to deliver world-class care and research opportunities.

Adam Watson’s journey began with his diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia in 2019. For three years, he battled courageously, with his constant positivity and hope capturing the hearts of thousands across his local community and beyond. He also received treatment at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Adam sadly passed away aged nine in 2022, surrounded by his parents, David and Sara, who have gone on to raise the profile of fighting blood cancer.

Professor Rob Wynn, of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, said: “Most kids are cured, but most is not enough. Our aim as children’s doctors is to cure our patients so that they can live their lives as if they never had the illness in the first place.

“It’s vital we incorporate these transformative new therapies into routine care as quickly as possible. This can only be done by increasing access to clinical trials of these new treatments.”

Discover how Cure Leukaemia is supporting blood cancer patients across Manchester and how you can join the fight against blood cancer.

High-profile support

Several high-profile patrons, including former footballer Gary Lineker OBE, support Cure Leukaemia.

Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia as a baby, Gary’s son George has spent much of his life championing the fight against blood cancer along with his dad.

George, now in his thirties, made a full recovery, and the Lineker family wants to give all kids the best possible opportunity to do the same.

The two regularly support and raise awareness of Cure Leukaemia, which has a patient-focused mission to fund clinical trial networks, provide patients access to pioneering treatments not available through standard care, improve outcomes and provide hope for people living with blood cancer.

The football icon is involved in a special evening this month for the national blood charity.

Hosted at the prestigious Landmark Hotel in London, in partnership with The Sporting Club, Close To A Cure takes place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, and promises to be an unforgettable night of insight, storytelling, and generosity, all in support of the fight against blood cancer.

The ATICUS Network

All proceeds from the evening will directly support The ATICUS Network (Accelerating Trials in Children Undergoing Stem Cell Transplant), funded by Cure Leukaemia.

This programme will drive cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative treatments, offering hope to children and adults battling blood cancer.

Cure Leukaemia provides funding to hospitals and children’s hospitals across the UK, with a catchment of more than 30 million people.

They include Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, as well as hospitals in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Worcester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Belfast, Southampton, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff and Blackpool.

Through its funding of these networks, more than £2 million worth of drugs has been delivered into the NHS, at no cost to them. These trials have recruited thousands of patients and given them further treatment options beyond what is available in standard care.

Vital funding

James McLaughlin, Cure Leukaemia CEO, said: “Blood cancer is the UK’s fifth most common cancer and tragically the third biggest cancer killer – a stark reminder of why awareness and funding are so vital.

“Cure Leukaemia facilitates potentially life-saving advancements in blood cancer therapies nationally but also contributes to global progress and hope for those impacted by the disease worldwide.

“We want to ensure that the genius clinical teams across the country can offer patients the best treatment and hope through more sustainable funding that allows long-term planning in the fight against blood cancer, in a similar way that a normal business would. We want to increase the number of nurses across the UK and plan for the future.’’

“There are many ways you can raise money to support these life-saving networks, through taking part in events, fundraising challenges or simply making a donation for lifesaving treatment – no matter what you do, every penny counts towards vital treatment and can help us connect patients to potentially lifesaving treatments.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support and efforts of everyone that steps up, no matter what you do.’’

Visit the website to support the charity.