A young woman was diagnosed with blood cancer after initially dismissing her symptoms as hay fever. Izzy Darnes, 21, thought she was ‘too young for cancer’ before being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June last year.

At just 21 years old, Izzy Darnes faced a shocking diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after mistakenly attributing her symptoms to something as benign as hay fever. Initially, Izzy brushed off her feelings of fatigue and the appearance of a rash, convinced that cancer was something that only happened to older individuals.

For about a week prior to her diagnosis, Izzy experienced an overwhelming sense of lethargy. She dismissed the rash on her skin as a mere side effect of hay fever and assumed the unexplained bruises were simply the result of bumping into things while redecorating her bedroom.

Now, Izzy is using her experience as a cautionary tale, urging young people to pay close attention to their health and not to ignore persistent symptoms. Her story is a powerful reminder that serious health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age.

Reflecting on her initial symptoms, Izzy from Narborough, Leicestershire, shared, “I had no energy to do anything, which wasn’t like me. I also had these massive dark bruises that wouldn’t heal and a petechiae rash, both of which I originally put down to something else. I initially thought the rash was due to hay fever and I assumed the bruises were from being clumsy when moving things around while decorating my bedroom.”

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Following numerous tests, Izzy was ultimately diagnosed with ALL. The 22 year old subsequently endured months of intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with treatment scheduled to conclude in April.

She experienced multiple complications and adverse effects, including a severe stomach infection, medical PTSD stemming from her ordeals and persistent mobility problems, which rendered her unable to walk for a month.

She explained: “I was really poorly and I couldn’t walk. I had to be carried up the stairs because my legs didn’t work. I had to have a wheelchair and I’ve got a crutch as my legs aren’t quite there yet, because I couldn’t use them for a month. Having my independence taken from me really hurt – one minute life was completely normal, then the next I’m lying in hospital unable to move, relying on other people for everything.”

Izzy has been actively fundraising for The Children and Young People’s Cancer Association, which has supported her throughout her cancer battle. She has already amassed more than £3,700, providing her with a sense of “purpose” during a period when employment has been impossible.

Izzy said: “I think I needed something to do because I couldn’t work. I get along with all my colleagues and have missed the buzz of the office.

“I’ve missed getting up in the morning and having a purpose. So, having Izzy’s Legacy, it’s something for me to do. I can pick it up and put it down, but it’s something that’s mine.

“It’s my thing and no one can take it from me. I’ve made it my mission to share my story, as people need to be aware of cancer in young people.

“If just one person went to the doctors because they have heard my story and it means they can catch their cancer early and get diagnosed quicker, instead of leaving it for three months where it could become more aggressive and harder to treat, then it’s worth it.”

Izzy believes her diagnosis has provided her with a fresh outlook on life and transformed her into a better person.

She said: “I think having cancer makes you think of life as that bit more precious and it probably makes you more compassionate toward people, too.”

To support or learn more about Izzy’s Legacy, visit the website.