Student Ambassador Emma Goes The Extra Mile
In the UK, every 20 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. With this in mind, it is not uncommon to know someone directly impacted with a blood cancer. This was the case with Emma Lund, whose second cousin Maisie Bulmer was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2014. Determined to help Emma, 26, from North Yorkshire, was determined to help Maisie so originally tried to donate blood but because she was anaemic was advised not to. Feeling hopeless she was determined to see what other ways she could help people with blood cancers.
In the UK, every 20 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. With this in mind, it is not uncommon to know someone directly impacted with a blood cancer. This was the case with Emma Lund, whose second cousin Maisie Bulmer was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2014.
Determined to help
Emma, 26, from North Yorkshire, was determined to help Maisie so originally tried to donate blood but because she was anaemic was advised not to.
Feeling hopeless she was determined to see what other ways she could help people with blood cancers. After discovering us she went on to register as a potential lifesaver.
A donor event drive was held at her university (University of Nottingham) in May 2016 and the PhD researcher knew she had to attend. Following a meeting with Patrick Ryan, DKMS Project Manager, Emma applied for and was offered the role of Student Ambassador.
Achievements
Emma and her Team have swabbed an incredible 461 potential lifesavers and helped the University of Nottingham achieve the DKMS record for the most people swabbed at a UK university!
Emma Lund (Right) at University of Nottingham Student Ambassador Fayre.
Last year Emma's outstanding achievements were recognised by her university when she won the Nottingham Student's Union Inspirational Student Award 2017.
Going the extra mile
Emma’s impressive registration efforts have been coupled with excellent fundraising initiatives over the past 16 months.
Emma Lund at University of Nottingham donor Event.
Unfortunately, in April 2017, while cycling to work, a car knocked Emma off her bicycle – leaving her unable to walk for two months. However, throughout her time in hospital she was determined to make a swift recovery in order to represent DKMS at TrekFest.
While on holiday in France, and just two days after coming off crutches (still with visible bandages and scars), Emma was walking in Pompertuzat to help prepare for her 25km TrekFest walk – described as a life-changing experience that will uncover strengths you never knew you had in one UK's most rugged national parks.
Despite a slight pain in her ankle, in the first week of September 2017, Emma completed her 25km TrekFest walk in just over five hours. Emma also took part in #LetsNailBloodCancer activity.
Bruised and scared Emma Lund competes in TrekFest.
How you can help
Anticipating a busy 2018, Emma said: “If you’re finding it difficult sticking to your own New Year’s resolutions, why not make it about charity this year? Whether it’s hosting a #LetsNailBloodCancer pamper party, raising awareness or fundraising, thinking of others is highly rewarding; it has helped keep me motivated to achieve my goals as DKMS Student Ambassador.”
If you are aged between 17 and 55 years old and in good general health register for your home swab kit