M’y sincere apologies for not having ‘blogged’ for several weeks now, but things have been particularly hectic in the Chalk household, with two boys studying for their GCSEs, my husband very busy (and at times needing my help) with his marketing business, my lovely mum and dad requiring occasional help, and also – I am very pleased to say – lots of hypnotherapy clients.

I do feel so very blessed to have such a busy and varied life, but sometimes it is nice to have a few days of peace and quiet, so I have been looking forward to enjoying a little break over Easter.  Mr Chalk and I will therefore be going away just after Easter for several days, but this is a mini-break with a difference.

We have both been on the Anthony Nolan bone marrow donor list for some years, but to date have not been matched as a prospective donor to a leukaemia sufferer. However, last November the Anthony Nolan organisation contacted Mr Chalk, informing him that he could be a prospective match, and after lots of tests, medicals and form-filling, it is all now going ahead, so I will be accompanying him to the London Clinic next week to have his bone marrow harvested and given to someone on the list.  We are not allowed to know the details of the recipient at present, but I believe that after a period of time and if the recipient wishes it, some contact can be made.

It is a fairly straight forward process these days, and Mr Chalk does not have to have a general anaesthetic, as the bone marrow is drawn intravenously.  However, he will have to have a significant number of injections beforehand, in order to stimulate the stem cells.  These injections will have the effect of making him feel as though he has a mild case of flu. As Mr Chalk says, this will be nothing compared to what the recipient has had to go through.

Nevertheless, we are all very proud of him and I couldn’t think of a nicer way to spend a few days holiday this easter time than helping my husband to provide this wonderful gift to someone in need.

Take care everyone,

Wendy x