Macphie’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Anna Massie, has played a central part in shaping a new partnership with Myeloma UK, drawing on her own experience of living with the condition.
Anna was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year at the age of 42, an incurable blood cancer that changed her life overnight.
Working closely together, Macphie and Myeloma UK aim to raise awareness of multiple myeloma and encourage fundraising among colleagues, while supporting the vital research and services the charity provides for people living with the condition.
The partnership was announced during Myeloma Awareness Week (15 to 21 June) and coincides with Anna’s birthday, a milestone made even more meaningful following a challenging year of treatment and recovery.
Anna said: “Last year I felt the saddest version of myself, without a shadow of a doubt. Cancer came into our lives and so much of what made me feel like me disappeared overnight.
“One of the most important sources of support has been Myeloma UK. Through the charity, I was introduced to my support person, who had been through a very similar experience.
“Having someone who understood exactly what I was facing gave me hope at a time when I desperately needed it.
“The next chapter for me is about living. It is about raising awareness and supporting others, while helping more people understand this disease and the importance of early diagnosis.”
Myeloma is the third most common form of blood cancer in the UK, yet awareness of the condition remains relatively low. Symptoms can vary between people and often include persistent pain, fatigue and recurring infections, as well as complications linked to bone damage.
Anna’s own diagnosis followed months of unexplained chest pain, which was later found to be caused by fractures and lesions affecting her bones. Through greater awareness, Myeloma UK hopes more people will recognise potential warning signs earlier, helping reduce delays in diagnosis.
Macphie colleagues will be volunteering in a range of fundraising initiatives and awareness activities throughout the partnership, with the company also supporting colleagues who choose to raise money for the charity.
Ed Widdowson, Chief Executive at Macphie, said: “Anna’s courage and positivity throughout her treatment have inspired colleagues across our business.
“This partnership is about much more than fundraising. It is about raising awareness of a condition that many people know little about until it affects someone close to home.
“Our colleagues are passionate about supporting causes that matter to them and their communities, and this one is incredibly personal to the team. We look forward to working alongside Myeloma UK in the months and years ahead and supporting Anna and her family in any way that we can.”
Matt Wynes, Director of Fundraising at Myeloma UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful for Macphie’s support and for Anna’s willingness to share her experience.
“Stories like Anna’s help people understand the reality of living with myeloma, while also highlighting the hope that exists through advances in treatment and research.
“Partnerships such as this play an important role in helping us continue our work supporting patients and families across the UK, while investing in research that will improve outcomes in the future.”
For Anna, the partnership represents an opportunity to turn a difficult personal experience into something positive for others. As she continues her recovery, she hopes sharing her story will encourage people to seek advice if something does not feel right.
Keep up to date with Macphie fundraisers and donate by visiting our JustGiving page.