A braintree woman is set to star in a national blood cancer campaign after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

Wendy Adams, 67, is working with Leukaemia Care for its campaign Watch Wait Worry, which highlights issues faced by patients who are on watch and wait lists for treatment.

After being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) on December 31, 2014, Ms Adams was placed on a list because of the incurable condition.

The process involves regularly monitoring the progression of CLL and only initiating treatment once intervention is required.

This can be after many years and allows patients to live a good quality lifestyle without the side effects of chemotherapy.

Ms Adams said: “My GP did not inform me I was being referred for a cancer diagnosis.

“As I had ongoing medical issues, we went to the appointment with no idea why.

“He said I had been referred as my white blood cells showed an abnormality and I had CLL.

“We didn’t know what he was talking about and had to ask what CLL meant.

“In a manner that struck me that he was thinking we were a bit ignorant, he said it stood for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

“He then went on to say that I would be put on watch and wait and we were dismissed.”

The charity says half of patients on watch and wait express feeling more concerned or anxious since diagnosis, with one in eight feeling constantly depressed or anxious.

This can often be associated with living with the unknown and is worsened by a lack of information and supportive care.

Ms Adams said: “My GP did not contact me or any care team member, we were just left high and dry with the diagnosis.We had to look it up on the internet. My understanding from the internet was one just waits until you feel much worse.

“There does not seem to be any care team that follows up a patient from diagnosis onwards in this area for CLL.

“My advice would be get support in any way possible. If you are fortunate to be offered support from a local hospital, take it.”

Visit leukaemiacare.org.uk.