KMMT: the first 10 Years

KAREN IS DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKAEMIA and immediately begins fundraising by agreeing to front a campaign for the Sue Harris Bone Marrow Trust. This results in thousands joining the bone marrow donor register and tens of thousands of pounds being raised.

KAREN'S CAMPAIGN FOR LEUKA 2000: Karen requests that all fundraising in her name be given to Leuka 2000 at Hammersmith Hospital.

At the tender age of 23 Karen loses her fight to live. Inspired by Karen's initiative, her family and friends continue to raise funds for leukaemia patients and their families.

KAREN MORRIS MEMORIAL TRUST BECOMES A REGISTERED CHARITY.

The KMMT trustees identify a major project "KAREN'S HOME FROM HOME" and a project group is set up.

KAREN'S ROOM: The new leukaemia building at Hammersmith Hospital opens. The day room, funded by money raised by Karen and topped up by the KMMT (total £40,000) is dedicated to Karen.

KMMT supports Hammersmith Hospital Haematology Department's flat for leukaemia patients' families and buys additional furnishings to make it welcoming and comfortable, thus enabling a much needed facility to continue and affording a pilot scheme for Karen's Home from Home.

KMMT funds Jill Alexander and Hameeda Chaudhry-Hill, part-time COMPLEMENTARY THERAPISTS FOR PATIENTS AND STAFF on the HAEMATOLOGY WARDS at the ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL, LONDON

One patient wrote "In appreciation of the wonderful and therapeutic services which made me feel like a human being again in very trying circumstances, I enclose my donation ... Please be assured that your input makes a big difference to patients in hospital when they receive treatment that is not purely clinical."

KMMT funds Ann Bond, COUNSELLOR FOR LEUKAEMIA PATIENTS, FAMILIES AND STAFF, at the QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, BIRMINGHAM.

The first KAREN'S HOME FROM HOME opens its doors at Hammersmith Hospital.

KMMT funds Sharon Reynolds.

Sharon is a part-time COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIST FOR HAEMATOLOGY PATIENTS AND STAFF at the QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, BIRMINGHAM.

KMMT Trustees are evaluating projects at leading haematology departments throughout the UK for which there is no NHS funding and which would go a little way towards alleviating the suffering of leukaemia patients and their families. These include day rooms, support nurses, counselling services, alternative therapists and homes from home.