Neil Elwell was first diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in December 2007 and following chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant it appeared that he had successfully beaten the disease. Unfortunately, 3 days before our wedding in February 2010 we discovered that the leukaemia was back and a further course of treatment and bone marrow transplant followed.

In January 2012 Neil became ill again with complications following the treatment to cure the leukaemia and, despite remaining amazingly positive and high spirited throughout his ordeal, his body was too weak to fight and he sadly lost his battle on the 6 July.

The majority of Neil’s treatment, including both bone marrow transplants took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Throughout the treatment, the care and support that Neil received was second to none. We always talked about the fact that once Neil was better we would like to do something to give a little back to the cause that had helped us to get through so much. Unfortunately, that is now not something that we will be able to do together but with the help of both of our family and friends, I am hoping that we can still do something to help this special cause.

Cure Leukaemia is a cause that is particularly close to our hearts as it directly supports the work of the Clinical Haematology Centre at the QE Hospital where Neil was treated. They are continually striving to raise money to fund additional research nurses, develop new treatments and provide support for patients like Neil with blood cancers.

So, down to the plan! I wanted it to be a challenge, something that we really have to work hard to achieve. I also wanted it to be something that was relevant to Neil. I think it’s fair to say, I can blame my father for coming up with the final idea but think it is the perfect challenge for us to complete in memory of Neil. From 1 – 5 July 2013, in the week preceding the anniversary of Neil’s death, a group of mine and Neil’s family and friends including myself, Neil’s brother Andrew, one of Neil’s best friends Drew, my father and my brother to name but a few are planning to walk from Lords Cricket Ground to Edgbaston Cricket Ground along the Grand Union Canal. It’s a long way! Approximately 150 miles in all but I hope you’ll agree that both Neil and Cure Leukaemia are worth the challenge.

To finish off the week, on Sunday 7 July 2013, we are then planning the Neil Elwell memorial Cricket Match, to be held at Wombourne Cricket Club where Neil has been a member and played cricket for many years. More details on this will follow when I have them.

And now for the begging bit! We know we have a lot of work to do to get to the finishing point, some people have even questioned whether I am capable of giving up wine long enough to train for this walk (thanks for the vote of confidence guys), but we are all fully committed to raise as much as we can. Neil fought so very hard throughout all of his treatment and we were all so very proud of his spirit and conviction and just want to do something to give a little back in his name. From all who are doing this walk, we would really appreciate it if you were able to dig deep and support this amazing cause. He’s definitely worth it!

Thank you

Matilda x x x