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The Bloom Appeal

The Bloom Appeal was established in 2014 by healthcare professionals, scientists, patients and carers. We are dedicated to helping patients through treatments as well as investing in facilities and research.

We support the care and well-being of patients with blood cancers. We fund and invest in scientific research into treating and curing leukaemias, lymphomas and other blood cancers. Together we make a difference for blood cancer patients in the Merseyside and surrounding areas.

Our Work

Helping People with Blood Cancer

There are at least 60 different types of blood cancers, which can affect the young and old. Every year approximately 1,250 people in the Region will be diagnosed with a blood cancer – leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, etc.

Although some are cured, a large majority have to live with the disease and its consequences. It is these people that require our help and support.

Here in Merseyside we have:

  • World-class facilities that provide the best and most up-to-date treatment and care.
  • An internationally renowned program of research including clinical trials.
  • A vibrant patient support group and network.

Jemma's Story

Real People, Real Life

In 2015 I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. My symptoms (intense itching and a small amount of weight loss) had been going on for about a year until I developed shingles.

I was referred to a Dermatologist who requested a CT scan. The CT scan showed some abnormal lymph nodes in my chest and these where investigated by two biopsies. The results confirmed the diagnosis.

Before I started my treatment, I underwent egg harvesting at the Women’s Hospital, and then I had chemotherapy (ABVD) followed by radiotherapy to my chest. Since my diagnosis and treatment, my family and friends have supported The Bloom Appeal with fundraising activities. My husband Paul and his work colleagues have undertaken 'The Ten Peak Challenge' in The Lake District where they climbed ten peaks in under 14 hours and a very close friend, also called Paul, competed in the ‘Tough Warrior’ assault course.

We are very aware of the excellent work the charity does for patients and health professionals and scientists trying to beat blood cancers.

Robina's Story

Real People, Real Life

I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in December 2011. Since my diagnosis I have been on the ‘watch and wait’ list. This means that I attend clinic every six months where my blood is checked, and I have an examination. At the moment I am not having any treatment.

Prior to my diagnosis I had been ill for several years with blood transfusions every three months and monthly iron infusions. I had been passed from department to department until I arrived at the haematology department where a bone marrow test revealed the diagnosis.

The Doctor discussed my other health issues and referred me, in partnership with my GP to Liverpool Heart and Chest hospital for major surgery which has given me a whole new lease of life.

My CLL diagnosis was a relief as I now knew I was not just making things up. The support and treatment has been second to none and I feel I owe the team my life. I have met some wonderful people and have made fantastic friends.

We are delighted to have Roger Phillips as our Patron.

Roger, who was born in Manchester, arrived in Liverpool as an actor in the early 70s to join the Everyman Theatre – and fell in love with the city. He subsequently worked as a cab driver, before moving into local radio at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1978, where he presented a daily phone-in programme until 2020.

Our Trustees

Ensuring We Meet Our Aims

Elkan Abrahamson

Elkan was born in Liverpool and is a solicitor specialising in major inquests and inquiries.

Elkan represented families in both the Hillsborough, and Birmingham Pub Bombing, Inquests, whilst also acting in the recent Manchester Arena Inquest.

He is a Non-Executive Director of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Elkan obtained his law degrees in Jerusalem and his Masters in Law from the London School of Economics.

His many accolades include; Law Society Gazette Legal Personality of the Year in 2013, Outstanding Achievement at the 2014 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, LALY Outstanding Achievement Award 2016, Halsbury Rule of Law Award 2016.

Dr Priya Bhatnagar

Priya was born in Liverpool and is a GP, having completed medical school at the University of Manchester in 2008.

Having carried out her training in the East Midlands Region, Priya returned to Merseyside and Cheshire, completing her GP training in 2016. She now works in the local area as a GP.

Priya recently joined the Bloom Appeal board of Trustees in January 2020.

Jane Cardwell

Jane lives in Liverpool and is now retired, having worked in a number of national and international roles.

Jane’s academic career began at Edge Hill University College, where she studied Field Biology & Habitat Management.

She later gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Huddersfield University. Utilising her teacher training, her career has been focussed on both national and international roles within the corporate world and public service sectors.

Jane was an International Training Specialist for a Pharmaceutical Company, working across Europe, South America, Canada and Australia. Jane moved to the Middle East, where she took a role as Director of Soft Skills at a Community Police and Police Science Institute. Jane developed the department and as well as teaching soft skills, she established a training program for policing diverse communities, which focussed on diversity and equality issues within the region. This program was expanded to other areas within the middle East.

Jane continues her own education and has worked as a volunteer counsellor for a national charity. She has also embarked on Masters course in Counselling.

Frank Donovan

Frank was born in Liverpool and has managed many successful computer system projects within the UK.

Frank has been involved in fundraising for leukaemia causes since 1985 and was Chairman of The Haemanthus (Blood Lily) Fund throughout its existence.

He has, over many years supported the Patient Welfare and Staff Welfare funds on the Haematology wards at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

Abila Pointing MBE

Abila was awarded an MBE in 2008 and is the former High Sheriff for the County of Merseyside.

Abila has an academic background in Psychology, Sociology and Management Studies. She gained her MA in Sociology and Social Policy from the University of Liverpool, and her Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from Liverpool John Moores University. Earlier qualifications, including an MA in Psychology, were acquired in Pakistan.

Abila is now retired, but her working career included employment with Liverpool Careers Service and Nacro (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders). She has also worked at a national level with a number of criminal justice agencies on the race and diversity agenda.

Abila was awarded her MBE for her community relations work in Liverpool and Manchester Prisons.

She was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant in 2010 and was High Sheriff for the County of Merseyside for 2014-15.

Abila was also a member of University of Liverpool Council from 2011 to 2019.

Dr Kehinde Ross

Kehinde is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Liverpool John Moores University.

Kehinde was born in South London and raised in Nigeria before returning to the UK for his degree in Medical Biochemistry at Brunel University.

Kehinde obtained a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of Sheffield in 2002. He then moved to Newcastle University for postdoctoral training in the Dermatology Department.

Kehinde joined Liverpool John Moores University in 2008 and currently leads projects focussing on psoriasis, alopecia, non-melanoma skin cancer and drug development in co-operation with national and international collaborators.

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