UTV political editor Ken Reid is new patron of Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI

The UTV political editor discovered he had leukaemia when blood tests were being carried out to monitor his diabetes. He is one of the 100 people a month in Northern Ireland who are diagnosed with blood cancer.

To coincide with World Cancer Day it was announced today that the respected journalist has become a new patron for the Province’s only charity solely dedicated to funding research to fight blood cancer.

He said: “I was delighted to receive the invitation from Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI. Research is the key to the future, as the recent attempts to deal with Covid-19 has proved.

“My leukaemia was discovered a few years ago after some blood tests for my diabetes.

“I am undertaking a clinical trial called FLAIR which is run from the world-class Leeds University Cancer Centre and is supervised by the brilliant team at the Bridgewater Suite at the City Hospital in Belfast.

“I have received so much support from my family, colleagues and ITV which helps me deal with the side effects of fatigue and nausea.

“The current lockdown is difficult. I like many others are shielding and the uncertainty can be worrying. Thankfully ITV have made arrangements that mean I am still able to work from home.

“The research supported by Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI helps patients like me to know that whilst there is currently no cure it is possible to treat and enjoy a decent life.

“In these troubled times it is reassuring to know there are people fighting our cause.”

Joanne Badger from Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI said: “We are proud to announce that Ken Reid has agreed to be our patron.

“Ken is one of 100 people every month who are diagnosed with some form of blood cancer in Northern Ireland.”

The charity is trying to raise awareness about the impact of blood cancer and the need to fund life-changing research.

Joanne added: “The research carried out at Queen’s University in Belfast will help improve survival rates and the quality of life for the thousands of local people that will be diagnosed with blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma over the next 10 years.”

She said that due to coronavirus fundraising efforts were restricted to the confines of people’s homes.

The charity’s 5by5 Challenge encourages people to do an activity involving the number five, donating £5 and nominating five friends.

They are also holding a Virtual Big Red Tea Party which means taking five minutes to have a cuppa and then donating £5 to the charity.