My name is Charlotte and my life was completely turned upside down in March 2015 when I was diagnosed with cancer. I’d been suffering with stomach trouble and exhaustion for a while and after months and months of A&E trips, doctors’ appointments and various medications being thrown my way and doctors dismissive of anything serious being wrong because of my age I decided to go travelling. But despite the idyllic beaches, I knew my body wasn’t happy so returned home.

Soon after seeing a new doctor I was diagnosed with late stage incurable non-hodgkin's follicular lymphoma! During my two years of misdiagnosis my cancer grew and spread throughout my body and I now know the horrendous pain in my abdomen was caused by a 10cm tumour.

Two months after my diagnosis I set up “Lumped with Lymphoma”, an education and awareness organisation aimed at young adults. With lymphoma being the most common cancer in the under 30’s, we as an organisation want everyone to know the signs and symptoms of this disease, be body aware and to have the confidence to head to the GP if they notice anything that doesn’t feel right.

I was driven by the failings of my diagnosis and the thought of another young person and family having to deal with a cancer diagnosis. Setting up the Lymphoma organisation is my way of taking on cancer and equally ignoring the fact that I have it! I did not like the feeling of helplessness that came from my diagnosis nor did I want to be absorbed by the feeling of fear, I wanted to stick two fingers up to cancer and create something positive from my very s*** situation.

My team and I have made really good progress so far and are driven to ensure everyone is aware of these symptoms. We will be taking part in a 10k run at Hyde Park on August 21st to raise funds to enable us to reach and educate many more young adults!

To find out more and to join the team email charlotte@lumpedwithlymphoma.org

www.lumpedwithlymphoma.wordpress.com