Daughter raises thousands for mum

Liz Cassidy, of Crookes, was shocked and upset when her mum, Caroline, was diagnosed with myeloma last year, after suffering with persistent flu-like symptoms and severe back pain.

The 33-year-old has now raised £2,500 for the Royal Hallamshire Hospital that treated her mum, by hosting a ladies night. The money raised will help fund a research project which aims to develop a cure myeloma. The project, which uses a genetically engineered virus to target and kill the cancerous myeloma cells without affecting healthy cells - needs £90,000 to continue the research over the next three years.

Liz said: “Prior to her diagnosis my mum had been suffering with flu-like symptoms and was feeling unwell much more than normal. She then started suffering with severe back pain, which despite trying physiotherapy and Pilates, did not improve.

“Her GP took a blood test which showed some inflammatory markers, and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed myeloma.

“I think my lack of understanding initially made it difficult to come to terms with, but over time, I have found out more information about myeloma and have made a conscious choice to be thankful for the amazing treatment that she has had access to.

“My mum is a very positive person and she has worked hard to remain optimistic which I am so proud of. She is still the amazing wife, mother and granny that she has always been and I know that her diagnosis won’t change this.”