We are working in association with Leukaemia Care this Blood Cancer Awareness Month to help fans spot the signs and symptoms of Leukaemia. In fact, we’ve even made them our charity of the day for our home game against Notts County on September 16th.
As a result, the Reds players will all be wearing Spot Leukaemia shirts in the warm up too demonstrate our support for the charity and to raise awareness of the disease and its charity.
There are 26 cases of leukaemia diagnosed each day in the UK – the equivalent to the average first team squad. It is a blood cancer and the symptoms can be hard to spot – that’s why 38% of leukaemias are diagnosed in A&E.
Leukaemia is a cancer that affects people of all ages. In recent weeks, Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with an acute leukaemia type, as well as Middlesborough youth player Anthony Renton. The footballing world has rallied around these players and we are now lending our support to a great campaign.
Leukaemia affects all ages, in fact, despite the common preconception, Leukaemia actually affects more adults than children.
We are calling on fans to be more aware of the common clusters of symptoms including: fatigue, shortness of breath, fever and night sweats, bruising or bleeding, joint or bone pain and sleeping problems.
Crawley MP, Henry Smith, stated, “As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Blood Cancer I pay tribute to Leukaemia CARE for organising the Spot Leukaemia campaign and to the Reds for showing their support. This sadly all too prevalent condition needs greater public, professional and government understanding. I’m asking Crawley to go spotty this September, to better help those affected and their families in the future.”
Early diagnosis can save lives. Do your bit in raising awareness of Leukaemia by heading to the #SpotLeukaemia website, reading the symptoms cards and share on social media using the #SpotLeukaemia hashtag.
Representatives from Leukaemia Care will be around the ground from 1pm on Saturday 16th.
You can find out more about Spot Leukaemia and ways to get involved at: leukaemiacare.org.uk/spot-leukaemia.
