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Leukaemia Care collaborates with Emmerdale for powerful acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) storyline
The outline of the latest Emmerdale story is unfortunately one that our Leukaemia Care support team hears a lot: a child diagnosed with leukaemia and the life-changing effects this has on a family.
Leukaemia Care’s nurse, Fiona, has been working with the show’s writers to ensure that the impact of an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) diagnosis on families and communities is accurately portrayed.
Fiona has used her 19 years of nursing experience to help support Emmerdale’s research and writing teams to ensure a delicate balance between medical accuracy and a comprehensive portrayal of the family experience following a leukemia diagnosis. On a weekly basis, Fiona has been involved with checking scripts, answering on-set questions and being a listening ear for those involved in developing the sensitive storyline.
With guidance from our Leukaemia Care nurse, the Emmerdale team acknowledges the necessity of considering the long-term implications, as Baby Evan will undergo treatment for several years, with significant repercussions for the family. We remain available to provide guidance on future story developments.
Colin Dyer, CEO at Leukaemia Care said in his ITV News interview:
“Every year 10,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK. A leukaemia diagnosis can affect not just the patient but also their loved ones such as family and friends.
Supporting people diagnosed with leukaemia, is at the heart of Leukaemia Care’s core and we strive to provide emotional, and financial support to those need it.
There are six main symptoms of leukaemia, and not all the symptoms will present and tend to not be spotted at the same time. This and them being mistaken for common illnesses like flu, making the condition extremely difficult to pick-up. If it is picked up and diagnosed earlier, the better the outcome.
The baby Evan leukaemia storyline being featured on Emmerdale will help to deliver a very important message not just about the awareness of the symptoms and condition but about how it affects the family. We urge anyone who is experiencing any of the symptoms of leukaemia, to contact their GP and ask for a blood test.”
ENDS
If you have been affected by Emmerdale’s Baby Evan storyline, you can contact our support services via our freephone helpline on 08088 010 444 or by emailing us at support@leukaemiacare.org.uk. (Services available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)
More resources and information on leukaemia can be found at www.leukaemiacare.org.uk.
For marketing and PR, please email communications@leukaemiacare.org.uk