Fuelled by her personal story, the long standing employee of Scottish ingredients manufacturer Macphie, Anna Massie, has played a large part in solidifying a new collaboration with Myeloma UK.

Working closely with the charity, Macphie aims to raise awareness of multiple myeloma, encourage fundraising from its own employees and help Myeloma UK conduct vital research and services while supporting and advocating for people living with the condition.

Anna, Head of Marketing and Communications, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year at the age of 42.

Following months of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, Anna is now approaching the final stages of her treatment programme and is determined to use her experience to help others facing a similar diagnosis.

Announced during Myeloma Awareness Week (15 -21 June), the partnership also coincides with Anna’s birthday, a milestone that carries added significance after an incredibly challenging year defined by treatment, recovery and renewed perspective.

She says: “Through this period, I’ve been carried in ways I will never forget. My incredible family, friends and unwavering support from work, is all something that I will be forever grateful for.”

Throughout her treatment, Anna has also received welcome support from Myeloma UK’s peer support service, which connects newly diagnosed patients with people who have experienced the disease themselves.

Anna’s support became a vital source of advice, reassurance and understanding during some of the most difficult stages of treatment.

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.

“It has been a journey I never expected to be on. The treatment has been difficult, but in many ways the unknown has been even harder. The unknown is often scarier than the treatment itself.

“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 and who I could speak to every week gave me hope at a time when I desperately needed it.

“Being diagnosed is not the end. It is the start of a journey you never planned for. There have been difficult days, but there has also been tremendous kindness, support and hope.

“The next chapter for me is about living. It is about raising awareness, supporting others and helping ensure more people understand this disease and the importance of early diagnosis.”

While myeloma is the third most common form of blood cancer in the UK, awareness of the condition remains relatively low.

Symptoms can vary from person to person but often include persistent pain, fatigue, recurring infections, kidney problems, peripheral neuropathy and 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 and ensuring patients can access treatment and support as quickly as possible.

Macphie employees 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.

The partnership forms part of Macphie’s wider commitment to supporting charitable causes and delivering positive impact in the communities where it operates.

Ed Widdowson, Chief Executive at Macphie, said: “Anna’s courage, resilience and positivity throughout her treatment has 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.

“We want to use our collective voice to support the important work being carried out by Myeloma UK, help more people understand the signs and symptoms of myeloma and make a meaningful difference to those living with the disease.

“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.”

Director of Fundraising, Matt Wynes 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, research and support services.

“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 and help shine a light on a disease that too often goes unrecognised.

To find out more about Macphie, please visit: https://www.macphie.com/

For more information on Myeloma, visit the Know the Warning Signs page: myeloma.org.uk/warning