MPD Support

Guy's and St Thomas' Dr Claire Harrison, a haematology consultant, runs a support network for people who suffer from MPDs (myeloproliferative disorders). MPD Support’s mission is to provide health information, emotional and social support to people with these rare diseases.

MPDs cause the body to produce too many or sometimes too few blood cells - these diseases are in fact cancers that affect blood cell production. While many people with MPDs feel relatively well, sufferers are at higher risk of deep vein thrombosis, heart attack and stroke.

Dr Harrison and a team of patient volunteers run a website that provides information on treatments, research news and psychological issues. They also publish a regular newsletter and offer a peer support programme and a forum for MPD patients. The GSTT Charity manages donations and gifts made to MPD Support.

Groundbreaking research in 2005 uncovered the genetic mutation responsible for many MPDs. It’s an exciting time for people with myeloproliferative disorders, as researchers rush to find targeted treatments that will help sufferers live longer, healthier lives. Clinicians and patients are working together at MPD Support to raise monies for ongoing patient support programmes as well as research towards a cure.

Shocked by her diagnosis at 40, patient Angela Bone was reassured to meet with other sufferers at the support group. She found the constructive information invaluable, and wanted to give something back by taking part in the annual sponsored Charity abseil.

Angela works for a London Investment Consultancy, and knew that colleagues and friends "would all pay good money to see me dangling from the edge of a tower!" She used Facebook to fundraise and her "hypnotic persuasion skills."

Despite the horrendous anticipation, Angela loved every minute of her descent: "Once I was wearing the harness and helmet, I knew there was no turning back. The view from the tower was spectacular, and I felt very serene and calm. After tentatively lowering myself down a little, I decided I would like to get to terra firma again as quickly as possible, so I just went for it SAS style!" A convert to the sport, Angela plans to do a front facing abseil next year. She said: "The support group have been a great help. Originally I could not even begin to understand what the condition meant for me, but after the first meeting I went home feeling very positive and comforted to know there was a future to be had after all."

Dr Harrison recently organised a 5km sponsored walk in Hyde Park followed by a picnic for patients, their families and friends. Patient Chris Cross raised £1,500 for MPD Support by running the London Marathon and Hira Sisodia, MBE and the Royal Kingdom Charity organised a charity dinner at Imli Restaurant in Leicester which raised £500. Dr. Deepti Radia spoke at this event and launched the MPD Support Charity. She later took part in a fun-run, braving the rainy North Downs of Surrey and an aversion to running to raise £600, and Nurse Specialist Yvonne Francis raced 5km, earning sponsorship of £400.

To make a donation or find out how your legacy could help, please use the secure donation form, or contact the Fundraising Team on Tel: 020 7188 1204, e-mail: Fundraising Team.

Find out more on the MPD Support website.