Parents of leukaemia patient become charity Patrons

June 24, 2015 by Joanna Harrison

Parents Of Leukaemia Patient Become Charity Patrons

Local parents, Katie and Chris Seymour, from Leigh-on-Sea, have become Patrons of national blood cancer charity, Leukaemia CARE, after it has supported them and their family following their daughter’s diagnosis of leukaemia.

Katie and Chris’ daughter, Hattie Seymour, was diagnosed in November 2014 aged one with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a rare form of leukaemia. She is currently undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Katie and Chris, who have a five-year-old son, Dexter, are hoping that their patronage will help to raise awareness of the charity, the importance of early diagnosis and blood cancers amongst children.

Katie said: “Before Hattie was diagnosed, I didn’t really know what leukaemia was, so I never expected it to happen to my daughter.

“The reason why I accepted Leukaemia CARE’s invitation to become a Patron was because they simply cared about me, my family’s and Hattie’s situation. I get nervous at the prospect of speaking to support groups or advice lines – I can’t help but think that as soon as I’ve finished talking, my daughter is forgotten about, which makes me avoid using them. It was different with Leukaemia CARE. Throughout every step of treatment and every tough week we've had together, they have been there to remind me they haven't forgotten. They care every day and that is why I am grateful for them, they're my plan B call, my fall-back friends and my team of understanding veterans that I know can be called on when I need them.

“We’re very excited to be taking on this responsibility and consider it a great privilege to be asked to become a Patron.” Monica Izmajlowicz, Chief Executive at Leukaemia CARE, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Katie and Chris have decided to join us as our Patrons.  They know all too well about the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on the whole family, not just the patient, so are well-placed to help raise awareness of not only blood cancers, but the services Leukaemia CARE has in place to support the whole family.”