Larkhall mum welcomes funding for new lifesaving leukaemia treatment

A mother from Larkhall is celebrating the news of funding allocated to new research for leukaemia treatment, a disease she has battled for years. Peppie Scobbie, 53 years old, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in August 2017 after experiencing symptoms like fatigue, chest and finger infections, and unexplained bruising. She underwent chemotherapy but faced complications like sepsis and pneumonia, leading to a three-week stay in intensive care. Despite the challenges, Peppie managed to achieve remission after two rounds of chemotherapy followed by two stem cell transplants.

The road to recovery has not been easy for Peppie, as she continues to struggle with the long-term effects of her treatment such as mouth and gut damage, bone deterioration, and ongoing pain. She remains under regular medical supervision and is preparing for a hip replacement soon. Despite the hardships, Peppie maintains a positive outlook, hoping for better treatment options for leukaemia patients in the future.

The funding from Leukaemia UK will support research projects aimed at improving therapies for aggressive forms of blood cancer like AML. Two early career researchers from the University of Cambridge will focus on studying key proteins and genes associated with leukaemia development. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets and develop more effective and targeted treatments for patients like Peppie.

Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive of Leukaemia UK, expressed gratitude to all supporters of the charity for funding vital research that could potentially transform outcomes for leukaemia patients. The John Goldman fellowships awarded by Leukaemia UK aim to accelerate progress and enhance the lives of individuals affected by leukaemia both now and in the future.

In summary, Peppie’s journey highlights the resilience and strength required to overcome the challenges of leukaemia treatment. The promising research funded by Leukaemia UK offers hope for developing improved therapies and outcomes for individuals battling this complex disease.