Teenager secures top university place thanks to your donations
(Pictured: Lisa Conley)
Thanks to your donations Anie Hu, a 20-year-old from Hall Green, Birmingham, has just finished enjoying Freshers’ week at the University of York, after battling a severe form of cancer for two years.
The studious teen, currently studying History and French, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia – a rare disease in which bone marrow does not make enough blood cells for the body – in 2011 after suffering headaches and extreme fatigue.
She said: “I was in a state of total shock. My first thought was, ‘am I going to die?’”
Anie was treated on the Teenage Cancer Trust Young Persons Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, from 2012 to 2014, where she endured rounds of antibody treatments, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a stem cell transplant and blood transfusions.
She said: “The intensity of the treatment left me feeling exhausted, and the side-effects had a serious impact on my self-esteem. Thankfully the staff made everything more bearable… they taught my friends and family how to cope.”
Due to the severity of her illness and subsequent treatment, Anie was forced to postpone her education. However, at the age of 18, she was helped back into her learning by a specialist teacher, funded by your donations.
Lisa Conley teaches patients on YPU, offering support and advice on a wide range of topics, from writing CVs to sitting exams. Your donations meant that Lisa was able to help Anie with her A Level courses, whilst she received treatment at the QE.
Anie said: “Lisa’s role in my recovery was pivotal to my wellbeing. She helped get my life back on track…I would not be at university without her. I am lucky to have had Lisa’s help throughout and am very proud of us both for achieving three A grades!"
Mike Hammond, Chief Executive at QEHB Charity, said: “We are absolutely thrilled for Anie. It is wonderful to hear how well she is getting on at University and to see the real difference the charity can make, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
“I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation. Thanks to you, we are able to continue to support teenagers and young people with cancer.”
