Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes is passionately leading a mission in memory of her mum, Pamela, who sadly lost her battle with multiple myeloma in 2017. This form of blood cancer affects over 33,000 people across the UK, yet awareness remains alarmingly low. Kelly is spearheading the ‘Get Ahead of Multiple Myeloma’ campaign alongside Johnson & Johnson, aiming to shine a light on this often-overlooked disease.
Kelly emphasises the importance of recognising symptoms early, noting how her mother’s diagnosis came as a shock despite her generally good health. Multiple myeloma symptoms, such as fatigue, bone pain, and recurring infections, are often vague and can be mistakenly attributed to other causes, making early diagnosis challenging. It wasn’t until a surgeon friend suggested a few tests that Pamela’s condition was revealed.
Dr Sophie Castell from Myeloma UK highlights the significance of Kelly’s efforts, expressing gratitude for spreading awareness. By educating more people about the warning signs, the hope is to prevent other families from enduring the same heartache. If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained fatigue, persistent pain, or frequent infections, check out the Myeloma UK Symptom Translator for guidance.
Through her campaign, Kelly aims to ensure that the warning signs of myeloma are impossible to ignore, reducing the risk of delayed diagnoses. It’s a personal crusade for Kelly, who wishes to honour her mother’s legacy by helping others access support sooner.
Let’s support Kelly in her quest to change lives and raise awareness. Spread the word, share the symptoms, and make a difference. For more information on multiple myeloma and to participate in Myeloma Awareness Week, visit myeloma.org.uk/warning. Let’s make sure nobody else has to go through what Kelly and her family did. 💙 #MyelomaAwareness #GetAheadOfMultipleMyeloma