National bone marrow cancer charity, Myeloma UK has awarded a research grant to The Christie in memory of a dedicated supporter who lost her life in the London bombings of 7th July 2005 at the age of thirty two.

The Miriam Hyman Research Grant is to study the support needs and quality of life of patients with myeloma and was marked by an unveiling of a plaque at the Christie on Friday 22nd February.

Myeloma is a complex and challenging cancer of the bone marrow, which is currently incurable, but is treatable. Although treatments are available to halt the progress of the disease a great deal of myeloma care and management continues to take place outside of the hospital setting by the patients and family members themselves.

The research grant was awarded in honour of Miriam Hyman from North London, who was killed in the London bombings. Miriam was a much loved supporter of Myeloma UK, who did an enormous amount to support the charity through various fundraising activities.

Speaking about the grant, Eric Low, Chief Executive of Myeloma UK said: “The support and care of myeloma patients is often as vital as the treatment itself but there has been a lack of research into the needs of myeloma patients, and whether these needs are actually being met. This research project will help to provide this evidence to ensure patients are given appropriate care. We are pleased to be able to award this grant in Miriam’s name as she was incredibly dedicated to the cause and committed to ensuring the very best standards of treatment and care for patients through her fundraising efforts.”

Alex Molassiotis, Professor of Cancer & Supportive Care at the University of Manchester will head up the study said:

“It is an important award that will allow us to understand a little better the complexities of the care needs of the myeloma patient. It will also help us improve the illness experience for this under-researched group of cancer patients.”

This research study aims to assess whether supportive care needs and quality of life are influenced by age, type of treatment and time since diagnosis and the factors that might allow health professionals to predict the support needs of myeloma patients and their partners in over 250 patients and partners. The grant is for £40,000 over one year.

The outcomes of this research will feed directly into Myeloma UK and help shape the manner in which the treatment and care of people affected by myeloma will be delivered and funded in the future.

Notes to Editors

About Myeloma UK

Myeloma UK informs and supports people affected by myeloma, and helps improve treatment and standards of care through education, awareness and research.

About Myeloma

• Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow
• The disease is currently incurable
• It is one of the fastest growing cancers in the western world
• There are 4,000 new cases a year in the UK
• There are 20,000 people living with myeloma in the UK
• The most common symptoms of myeloma include severe pain, bone fractures and fatigue
• The causes have not been proven but exposure to pesticides, atomic radiation and petroleum products are thought to be trigger factors

About Miriam Hyman

Miriam Hyman was killed in the London bombings on 7th July 2005 at the age of thirty-two. For information about the Miriam Hyman Memorial Fund see www.miriam-hyman.com

About The Christie

The Christie in Manchester is one of the leading cancer centres in Europe - registering around 12,500 new patients and treating about 40,000 patients every year. It offers high-quality diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients, world-class research and education in all aspects of cancer. www.christie.nhs.uk

Meet the news team