A MAN from Wickford is sharing his experience of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. He hopes to raise awareness of the condition and of Lymphoma Action who, on the 12 June, are celebrating their 35 year anniversary as the only charity in the UK dedicated to lymphoma.

Alan Lodge, 78, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009, and again in 2016 after a relapse. Now, he is sharing his story to raise awareness about the symptoms of lymphoma, and the steps he took to support his wellbeing during his treatment as part of Lymphoma Action's focus on 'positive mental wellbeing' for their 35th anniversary year.

"I realise, in retrospect, the lymphoma was probably present in my body some years before I retired; but I had thought that the reduced energy and drive was just because I was getting older" says Alan.

"But it was after I came back from holiday in 2009 that I went to see my GP, as I was struggling with pain in my stomach and I had lost a noticeable amount of weight during my trip. I started to experience night sweats and upon a second visit to my GP, it was suspected that I had an enlarged spleen. This flagged a serious problem, and within a day I received a phone call from a consultant haematologist asking me to go and see him. Further tests then confirmed a diagnosis of lymphoma."

"While self-isolating during chemotherapy treatment I started writing a book" Alan continues. "It was a great way to keep focused, and I think it helped to support my overall wellbeing during a very difficult period.

"I am so grateful for the support and information provided by Lymphoma Action that I decided to donate to them a percentage of any royalties from the sales of the book, titled A Working Life. It is part travel blog and looks back on some of the fascinating places I have worked during a career in the chemical engineering sector. Ironically, the penultimate job I worked on was validating a plant in Spain built to produce rituximab, an antibody therapy included in my treatment, which, along with my wife and the wonderful staff who have treated me has helped to keep me alive, to all of whom I owe a big 'thank you."

"We are so grateful to Alan for his support, and for sharing his story to raise awareness of lymphoma" adds Ropinder Gill, Chief Executive at Lymphoma Action.

"Lymphoma is actually the UK's fifth most common cancer, but there are still many people who are not aware of it and the symptoms of the condition can be very vague. It is inspiring that Alan was able to write a book during what must have been a very challenging time for him."

"Throughout our 35th anniversary year, we will be sharing stories where the arts, sport and creativity have supported the mental wellbeing of people affected by lymphoma" she continues.

"We feel that our focus on 'positive mental wellbeing' reflects everything we do every day to support people affected by the condition. We are proud to have been making a difference for 35 years so that no one has to face lymphoma alone."

For further information about lymphoma, and the work of Lymphoma Action click this link.