A WOMAN fighting a rare form of leukaemia hopes her experience will help future sufferers.

Allison White, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) in July after suffering fatigue and heavy bruising.

She and her family, who have lost two relatives to the disease, are staying positive by raising awareness and supporting research into blood cancers.

After being diagnosed on July 26, Miss White had only two hours to decide whether to undergo a trial course of treatment combining intravenous chemotherapy and medication.

“I went on the trial because I felt it would help someone else in the long run. You have to think about other people,” she said.

The 32-year-old, who works at Neville Pharmacy in her home town, has undergone three chemotherapy sessions at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, with another planned when she is well enough.

Since being diagnosed, she has spent nine weeks in hospital, most recently at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, after collapsing. Medics told her she could have died.

She said: “I was petrified. They tell it as it is and that has definitely made me listen to my body and take extra care.”

While she was at the hospital, friends and family held a fundraising event in aid of Leukaemia Research UK.

Miss White was able to leave hospital for two hours to attend the charity night in Evenwood Workingmen’s Club, near Bishop Auckland.

She said: “It was like a Cinderella story. I had to leave the party to be back in hospital by a certain time, but I just had to go for a little while.

“I was overwhelmed by the people who turned up there. My cousin, Elaine Smith, shaved her head for sponsorship and we raised £2,300. That is our focus now, to raise money for research.”

Twenty years ago, Miss White’s cousin, Garry Hart, died of leukaemia, aged 12, and a decade ago, her aunt, Lorna Goss, also lost her battle with the disease, aged 58.

She said: “My family and I feel it’s important to think of others.

“I’m going through a trial that will hopefully help people in the future, we want people to be aware of the condition and plan to hold another charity night in Newton Aycliffe around February to support the charity.

“I’d love other people to get involved, to help with our event or maybe do something on our behalf.”

To support Miss White’s efforts, call her on 07762-258696.