Thanks to our fundraisers, a new MDS Quality of Life study is possible
11 Feb. 2026At MDS UK, our work is made possible by our community. Thanks to two generous, community-funded contributions, we are now able to support a new study focused on improving quality of life (QoL) for people living with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). We are hugely grateful to both groups for making this project possible.
About the MDS Quality of Life (QoL) Study
Led by Health Psychologist and Doctoral Researcher, Stacie Thursby, the study will be looking at ways to improve everyday quality of life for those living with MDS.
The research will examine what it really means to live with MDS and aims to develop practical, evidence-based tools for use in daily life. The patient voice and lived experience will be central to every aspect of the study, ensuring any proposed solutions truly reflect the needs of MDS patients. More details of the study will be announced soon.
Our sincere thanks to Buckby Castle Masonic Lodge
Our first major contribution comes from Buckby Castle Masonic Lodge, whose members raised £2,500 by completing a sponsored walk along Hadrian’s Wall.
The members walked in memory of Worshipful Brother Yan Pheonix’s father, Douglas. Their dedication and personal commitment to honouring Douglas’ memory — alongside their ongoing support for Yan, Marlene and his family — has directly contributed to the launch of this Quality of Life (QoL) study.
Pictured (L–R) Brother Chris Long, Dr Blossom Bell (CEO, MDS UK), and Worshipful Brother Yan Pheonix
A heartfelt thank you to The Stragglers running club
The second generous contribution comes from our longstanding partnership with the Cabbage Patch 10, an iconic 10-mile race organised by The Stragglers Running club — a club well known for its strong community ethos and commitment to supporting local charities.
Through their 2025 event, The Stragglers donated £2,500 to MDS UK.
We are deeply grateful to The Stragglers for continuing to choose us as one of the charities supported by the event, and for the warm, inclusive community they foster around the race.
Event organiser Kevin Price, pictured with MDS UK Patron Caitlin Limmer, has confirmed their intention to continue the partnership in future years — something that means a great deal to us.
To everyone who ran, organised, volunteered or cheered from the sidelines: thank you. Your miles have helped move MDS research forward.
Cabbage Patch 10 race organiser Kevin Price, with MDS UK Patron Caitlin Limmer
What your support means for people living with MDS
Together, these two donations have allowed us to move forward with a research programme focused on improving day-to-day life for people living with Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
Quality of life is about more than treatment. It’s about having the energy to get through the day, maintaining independence, feeling confident, and knowing your voice is heard. It’s about practical support that makes everyday challenges more manageable.
Because of your fundraising, this work is now underway.
On behalf of everyone at MDS UK — and the patients whose experiences will help shape this study — thank you. We look forward to sharing more with you soon.
