Matt hopes to inspire others to seek support
A DANCE teacher has spoken of his incurable cancer diagnosis in the hope of inspiring others in his position to seek help and support.
Matt Lackford, 34, from Savile Park, Halifax, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a rare type of incurable cancer, in 2018.
He said: “Around the time I turned 30, I started noticing changes in myself, at the time I just put it down to being a dancer and having put my body under enormous stress throughout my career.
“This changed when I found a lump on my neck and my GP referred me straight away for tests, shortly afterwards I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.”
This type of cancer is extremely rare in people under 40, although the cancer is incurable it is treatable. Matt is currently on the Flair clinical trial; he is being treated with a combination of antibiotics and Ibrutinib.
Matt was able to access support from the Macmillan Information and Support Service based at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. The Macmillan team suggested that he take part in the ‘Thinking Ahead’ course, a course offering support for people with incurable cancer.
“Having a diagnosis of cancer is incredibly stressful and hav
ing to navigate that alone would have seemed like an unscalable mountain,” he said.
“Having the support of the Macmillan team makes me feel part of something, I don’t feel like I’m going through this alone. The ‘Thinking Ahead’ course is thought provoking and in-depth, it signposts to really helpful support for both me and my family.
“I want to show that people living with cancer can live their lives and celebrate what they achieve.”
Contacting Macmillan Information & Support Service on 01422 222709 or by emailing cancer.information@nhs. net.