Ken Reid, former UTV Political Editor, is patron of Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI.
A former UTV broadcaster has been sharing the story of his battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, to highlight the importance of supporting local medical research funded by Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI.
Ken Reid joined UTV in 1994 and climbed the ranks to become Political Editor, a position he held until his retirement in 2021.
After developing pain in his foot in 2016, Ken visited his doctor and was referred to Antrim Area Hospital.
“I thought it was perhaps an infection,” recalled Ken. “But everything changed in an instant, when the very professional and caring young doctor there broke the news to me that I did, in fact, have Leukaemia.”
After receiving his diagnosis, Ken agreed to take part in a clinical trial, testing the efficacy of a new drug treatment.
“The trial opened my eyes to a world of medical science which I was not previously aware of. I was regularly monitored through appointments at Belfast City Hospital, but the trial was being conducted through partnerships with other cancer centres, the lead facility being in Leeds.
“It wasn’t always easy. Whilst the drugs I was taking did improve the prognosis on my Leukaemia, I experienced some strong side effects which took a toll. Last year I was in hospital for a two-month period, developed an infection and at one stage, caught Covid.
“But I’m glad to say that eight years on from my original diagnosis, I am feeling better than I have in a long time. That’s thanks to the cutting-edge treatment I’ve received.”
Ken established strong links with Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI through the team of medical professionals with whom he was meeting regularly.
“What you begin to realise is that the Patrick G Johnston Centre at Queen’s University is part of a global network of research institutes, all devoted to establishing better outcomes for patients like me.
“We have a world-class facility in Belfast punching well above its weight in terms of the levels of research being conducted. I felt very strongly I needed to lend my support to the charity.”
Throughout his treatment, and now acting as patron of the blood cancer charity, Ken has seen first hand how research funded by LLNI impacts the lives of people in Northern Ireland.
“When you regularly visit the Bridgewater Suite for cancer patients at City Hospital like I have, you get to know the doctors, nurses and your fellow patients. I’ve seen people have their conditions turned around thanks to treatments that were not available as recently as five or ten years ago.
“Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI are funding research and trials which are quite literally life changing. It’s work that deserves our support because the statistics around blood cancer in Northern Ireland are alarming, but the track record of research shows that our brilliant medical scientists, clinicians, doctors and nurses are finding solutions.”
Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI has been showcasing a special programme of activities to mark the 60th year of the charity and raise funds for the fight against blood cancer, culminating in a recent Black Tie & Diamonds ball which raised over £100,000 to fund future life-changing research.
Alongside this, the charity is calling for those who have experienced Leukaemia, Lymphoma or Myeloma and their loved ones to share their experiences online via the LLNI website.
The photos and extended captions gathered will form part of a special online canvas presented online where members of the public can read the stories of people affected by blood cancer across the province.