The difference you made 2025

The difference you've made

Thanks to your generous donations, ELF extended its reach this year, supporting a growing number of patients and families across the full spectrum of our services. The individuals we serve, whether current patients, former patients, family members, or clinical staff at the hospital, consistently express deep gratitude for the assistance they receive and are often happy to share their personal experiences. Throughout this report, we are proud to share a selection of their powerful and inspiring stories. 

Steven's Story

In November 2024, Steven was diagnosed with myeloma, and his life was instantly turned upside down. Thanks to your donations, ELF has supported Steven throughout his blood cancer journey.

When Steven was unable to get to his chemotherapy treatment or consultant appointments, our hospital transport service stepped in to pick him up and take him home.

When he needed a stem cell transplant over consecutive days, we supplied accommodation close to the hospital to avoid lengthy repeat journeys, whilst our counselling service provided a safe space for

Steven to share his concerns following his diagnosis:

“Counselling has been instrumental in helping me navigate all the emotions that come with a cancer journey. The counsellor I speak to has literally made me survive some tough and testing times, and I'm eternally grateful!”

A keen photographer, Steven adds: “I have been selling photos and canvases locally to raise vital funds to give back to ELF so that they can continue to help others like me.”

Maggie - returning to the ward as patient

“I was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and found myself sitting on the same maroon chair in the Haematology Centre waiting room my late Dad had sat on, when he was treated for leukaemia three years earlier. I could see the ELF Filling Time kiosk, serving teas, coffees, and treats, still being run by the same lovely lady. My gaze fixed on the large fish tank in the waiting room, and after watching the bright tropical fish gliding around, I spotted the sucker-mouth catfish. With its jazzy black and gold pattern, and its huge mouth and whiskers, this fish fascinated my Dad and helped him relax while he waited for his blood transfusions.

It was about 4cm then but has quadrupled in size since. As I watched it diligently cleaning the sides of the tank, it occurred to me that while this fish has been growing, ELF has been quietly, and just as diligently, running the services my Dad relied upon, and which are now helping me and no doubt hundreds of patients in between.

I am so grateful to ELF for their kindness and support in times of need.”

Thomas's Story

For many patients undergoing treatment, maintaining mobility is essential to preserving independence and quality of life. When Thomas, who is self-employed, was diagnosed with acute Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), his illness had a severe impact on his income. As his financial situation became increasingly strained, even essential expenses, such as replacing three worn tyres on his car, became unaffordable, putting his ability to continue driving at risk. Thanks to a Patient Support Grant that covered this cost, Thomas has been able to stay on the road, protecting both his livelihood and his independence.

“I am sincerely grateful for the support and assistance provided by ELF. My diagnosis has significantly impacted my life, work, and family, and the experience has been challenging as I strive to maintain a sense of normality while battling constant fatigue and worry. ELF’s generous financial support has been invaluable during this time and I am deeply appreciative. Without their help, my financial situation could have become unmanageable, further increasing stress and affecting my overall wellbeing.” 

Ava's story, written by her mum, Nicola

“We initially didn’t worry when Ava started feeling unwell in June 2025, as we put her lethargy down to tiredness following her school’s residential trip. However, upon becoming pale and breathless, we took her to the doctor who sat us down and told us it was likely Ava had cancer. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, how could my daughter be diagnosed with cancer before doing any tests? We were sent straight to the RD&E hospital where Ava had blood tests whilst my husband and I sat awake all night hoping and praying they had got it wrong. However, the following day our world came crashing down as Ava was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Ava was initially sent to Bristol Children’s Hospital by ambulance to begin intensive chemotherapy. She had a fungal infection from her mouth to her gut which she couldn’t fight due to being immunosuppressed and the steroids she was given made her very poorly. Ava then unfortunately developed fluid on her lungs and her breathing deteriorated so she spent seven weeks in intensive care fighting for her life, where she contracted sepsis and pneumonia on top of what she was already dealing with.

Ava’s chemotherapy and steroids were stopped, and we were told that an immunotherapy drug was a last resort to fight the leukaemia. Thankfully it worked and on 13th August the consultants told us that Ava was in remission. 

Upon returning home, ELF provided us with a financial grant and gift vouchers at Christmas, which really did help as we’d had to give up work to care for Ava.

Ava has since gone from strength to strength and is back at school pretty much full time. She is walking again, although she needs to build back her stamina as she fatigues quickly, and is enjoying horse riding and all the things she used to love. Ava's treatment is due to end in August; it’s been such a tough journey and one that no family should ever have to go through! 

We are very grateful to ELF for helping our family throughout Ava’s life changing diagnosis and we will continue to raise awareness and support this amazing local charity. “

Ollie's Story

It was a magical moment for 5-year-old Ollie as he switched on the Bideford Christmas lights in December in front of thousands of people! Ollie was diagnosed with leukaemia on New Years Eve 2022 and completed his

treatment in February 2025.

ELF provided vital support to the family during Ollie's treatment. This included accommodation close to the hospital, where Ollie could recover from sickness caused by treatment before making the journey home to North Devon, vouchers at Christmas, and a financial grant to help replace a broken oven. Ollie’s mum, Cassie, said, “You get caught up in [the illness] and washed away. Thanks to your generosity, ELF has been there to support us throughout Ollie’s journey.”

support for bramble ward

ELF continues its commitment to supporting blood cancer patients receiving care on the Bramble Children and Young People’s Unit. The unit specialises in providing dedicated, age-appropriate care for babies, children, and young people from birth up to 18 years of age.

In February 2026, ELF was approached to fund the purchase of a Chester Chest™ training model, used in healthcare simulation to teach and enhance central line care techniques. High-quality training in central line management is essential in the treatment of many blood cancer patients, helping to ensure safe practice and reduce the risk of complications. The addition of this training model represents a valuable investment in staff education and patient safety. The team on Bramble Ward is looking forward to welcoming their newest “member” and making full use of the model to further strengthen their clinical skills and the quality of care they provide. 

Head of Patient Services

We are delighted to introduce you to our newest member of the team: Gen Ottaway, who has joined ELF as the Head of Patient Services.

"I'm based in ELF's office at the Haematology Centre three days a week, ready to answer any questions from patients or hospital staff. I am excited to grow our range of services, and build stronger relationships with the outstanding NHS teams, and with other local cancer charities.

I've been busy gathering ideas about how we might add improvements to our services. I'm making sure to speak to patients every day - that's where any inspiration is going to come from!”

To contact Gen with any queries, please email gen@elfcharity.org.uk

Thank you to our sponsors

We are delighted to announce that our fleet sponsors, JMC Aviation, have agreed a further three-year sponsorship of the ELF Transport Service. This ongoing partnership is invaluable, enabling our dedicated drivers to continue their vital work.