#BloodCancerAwarenessMonth: Tom Walker's Story

Tom Walker was 13 years old when he took part in the Brecon Beacons Night Hike for Cancer Research Wales in March 2018.

He raised £700 but just 10 weeks later was tragically diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Sadly, Tom passed away.

His family set up Tom’s Fund in his memory to raise money for cancer research here in Wales. The first £100,000 raised went to the Tom Walker PhD Research Scholarship, funding a graduate student researching a treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia. Money raised since then has been used to fund research into brain cancer.

Tom’s film

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and to mark this, we are launching a very moving but inspiring film about Tom.

In it, Tom’s parents – Debbie and Tim – and his sisters Holly and Emily, talk about Tom and his hobbies such as fantasy films and playing the drums. They speak openly about how fundraising for Cancer Research Wales has helped them to keep Tom’s legacy alive.

The family also discusses how fundraising in Tom’s memory has helped to unite their local community.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is a global event helping to raise awareness of one of the world’s most prevalent and dangerous cancers: blood cancer.

September turns red each year as the spotlight is put firmly on blood cancer and the impact it has on our communities and the urgent need for more action.

Raising awareness of blood cancer, its signs and symptoms and its impact, will help to improve early diagnosis, encourage policymakers to prioritise the disease, as well as help everyone with blood cancer feel connected and heard.

Thank you to Debbie, Tim, Holly and Emily Walker for your continued support of Cancer Research Wales.

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