A young woman received a blood cancer diagnosis after initially writing off her symptoms as hay fever. Izzy Darnes, 21, believed she was 'too young for cancer' before doctors confirmed she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June last year.

She had been feeling exhausted for about a week beforehand and attributed a skin rash to hay fever. Izzy also assumed the bruising that emerged was simply from knocking into objects whilst redecorating her bedroom.

Having initially ignored the warning signs, she's now encouraging other young people to seek medical advice if they have health concerns.

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Izzy, from Narborough, Leicestershire, explained: "I had no energy to do anything, which wasn't like me. I also had these massive dark bruises that wouldn't heal and a petechiae rash (a cluster of small pinpoint red, purple or brown spots that appear on your skin), both of which I originally put down to something else. I initially thought the rash was down to hay fever and I assumed the bruises were from being clumsy when moving things around when decorating my bedroom."

Following an unsuccessful attempt to secure a GP appointment on the Friday before her diagnosis, her condition deteriorated over the weekend. Making another attempt on Monday, she managed to get seen and was immediately referred to the GP assessment unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary for additional tests after developing a high temperature.

Izzy, who had been employed in local government prior to her diagnosis, revealed: "Even at this point, I never thought that what I was facing was cancer. In my head, I was far too young for that."

Following numerous examinations, Izzy received her ALL diagnosis. Now aged 22, she embarked on months of punishing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with treatment scheduled to conclude in April.

She endured various complications and adverse effects, including a severe stomach infection, resulting in medical PTSD from her ordeal and persistent mobility problems that left her unable to walk for a month.

She explained: "I was really poorly and I couldn't walk. I had to be carried up the stairs because my legs didn't work. I had to have a wheelchair and I've got a crutch as my legs aren't quite there yet, because I couldn't use them for a month. Having my independence taken from me really hurt – one minute life was completely normal, then the next I'm lying in hospital unable to move, relying on other people for everything."

Izzy has been raising funds for The Children and Young People's Cancer Association, which has supported her throughout her cancer battle. She has already collected over £3,700 to provide her with a "purpose" during a period when work hasn't been possible.

Izzy said: "I think I needed something to do because I couldn't work. I get along with all my colleagues and have missed the buzz of the office.

"I've missed getting up in the morning and having a purpose. So, having Izzy's Legacy, it's something for me to do. I can pick it up and put it down, but it's something that's mine.

"It's my thing and no one can take it from me. I've made it my mission to share my story, as people need to be aware of cancer in young people.

"If just one person went to the doctors because they have heard my story and it means they can catch their cancer early and get diagnosed quicker, instead of leaving it for three months where it could become more aggressive and harder to treat, then it's worth it."

Izzy revealed her diagnosis has transformed her outlook on life and shaped her into a better person.

She continued: "I think having cancer makes you think of life as that bit more precious and it probably makes you more compassionate toward people, too."

To support or discover more about Izzy's Legacy visit the website.