Daring to Keep Moving Strongly
Fundraiser and supporter, 'Woman on a Mission' Claire Morgan-Hughes invites us to join her in supporting DKMS.
Location: Lives in Devon with her husband, son and her daughter when she’s back from Uni!
Occupation: Company director of lifestyle brand and blog ‘Woman on a Mission’.
Hopes for 2023, current hopes: I’m currently on a mission to raise £50,000 for DKMS, so my hope is to reach that goal as soon as possible! The mission started as a celebration of my 50th year – a year filled with crazy challenges including a coastal marathon, epic triathlon around Snowdonia and a virtual cycle ride to Germany.
To help reach the total I’m organising a second annual Fun Run in my local area in July. Last year it was lovely to bring so many people together after the isolation of the pandemic. This year, I’m inviting people all around the world to take part wherever they are, so I also hope that we have lots of people taking part in the run.
What amusing or interesting phrase do you think the initials DKMS could stand for in English?: Daring to Keep Moving Strongly
My experience with cancer
Through my former role as an oncology nurse, I saw first-hand just how devastating a diagnosis of cancer can be for families. DKMS offers hope of a second chance of life for those in need of a stem cell transplant. It’s a fantastic cause that means a lot to me. The dream is to get the call to become a donor!
On a mission
I have supported DKMS for many years by fundraising and raising awareness on my blog and social media channels; I am now on a mission to raise £50,000 to support DKMS' work.
In July 2023 I set up a virtual challenge event, asking people to run 5K. The original event took place in my local village as part of our annual summer celebrations; this year was the second event, and it grew massively! Over 100 people took part in the fun run in the village and 18 in the virtual challenge. Participants in the virtual challenge were running all over the country; some even participated in the Cayman Islands.
Lots of families took part, including quite a few in fancy dress costumes including a frog and ‘Where’s Wally?’!
In total, the event raised over £2,100 and registered 33 people as potential life-savers. Roll on next year!
Ideas for encouraging more potential donors to sign up
More work with A-level aged pupils in schools and universities across the country to ensure people are aware of the stem cell register from the earliest age they can register. I recently gave an assembly at my son’s sixth form and registered some of them as potential lifesavers. Hopefully one of them will get the call one day!
- Stem cell and bone marrow transplant (NHS website) - five main stages of the transplant process.
- Donation Explained - our step-by-step guide to registering as a stem cell donor.
- What is blood cancer? - overviews of stem cells, types of blood cancers and blood disorders, and their treatment.
