Norwich blood cancer survivor appeals for help to support transplant patients across the UK
Gemma Seager was inspired to help others after her own stem cell transplant
A Norwich organisation founded by a blood cancer survivor is appealing for volunteers, fundraisers and support as it works towards helping every stem cell transplant patient in the UK.
A Life in Progress CIC, set up by Gemma Seager, is using Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September to call for people to champion its work.
What the organisation does
Founded in 2025, A Life in Progress CIC provides Reboot Boxes, specially curated care packages filled with practical items and comforts for people undergoing stem cell transplants.
The organisation was inspired by Gemma's own experience after she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, in 2021.
After undergoing a stem cell transplant at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, she spent two weeks in isolation, including Christmas Day, while receiving treatment.
It was an experience that inspired her to help others facing the same challenge.
Since launching its pilot project, the organisation has provided around 50 Reboot Boxes to patients undergoing transplants at the hospital.
Each box contains carefully selected items designed to offer comfort and practical support during a physically and emotionally demanding treatment.
Why it matters
Blood cancer affects more than 40,000 people in the UK each year, yet awareness of the disease and the challenges faced by patients remains relatively low.
This September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month is helping to shine a light on the thousands of people living with blood cancer and the support available to them.
What happens next
Gemma Seager, founder of A Life in Progress CIC, said:
"When I was going through my stem cell transplant, it was often the small acts of kindness that made the biggest difference. Knowing people cared and having little comforts around me helped me through some incredibly difficult days.
"That's exactly what Reboot Boxes are about. They remind people they are not facing this journey alone. What started as an idea inspired by my own experience is growing into something much bigger. We are now transitioning to charity status, which will help us reach more patients and build the support needed to make a real difference across the country.
"We've shown what's possible in Norfolk and our next goal is to expand into Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, which has a much larger stem cell transplant centre. To do that we need more support, more volunteers and more people championing what we do.
"We're a small organisation with big ambitions and we're looking for people who can help us take the next step. Whether that's fundraising, helping to manage our social media channels, volunteering at events or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps us support people during one of the toughest periods of their lives."