Uckfield's Jo Squires takes on a fundraising challenge to raise awareness of Blood Cancer.

Jo Squires lives in Uckfield and she lost her husband Barry to a rare form of Blood Cancer in April 2025. 14 months from diagnosis to his passing, he was age 41 and leaves behind twin boys age 7.

Barry was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in February 2024.

He battled through 12 months of intensive chemotherapy as an inpatient at Eastbourne Hospital and underwent 3 rounds.

Sadly, his AML relapsed leaving his best chance and only option left being a stem cell transplant, luckily a donor match was found for him.

Baz undertook this treatment after showing great personal strength to come through intense treatment to this stage, Baz’s body initially accepted the transplant well.

Weeks later it became clear that the Leukaemia had returned and Baz was going to be unable to beat this terrible disease a second time, he passed away peacefully in his wife's arms.

Baz was the Head of Sport at Brighton University. He was a bright, dynamic, charismatic and ambitious individual who was incredibly loved.

He is missed everyday, especially by his twin 7 year old sons. During his periods of treatment, he talked many times about creating a fund raising opportunity for when he was better, this was called 'Hike for Heroes - Walk, Talk & Fundraise.

Close friends and his wife Jo, will be walking an 80 mile stretch of the Sussex Boarder Path as a tribute to Barry and those who helped him through his treatment and palliative care.

The route begins in East Grinstead, close to his home in Uckfield and concludes at the Crown Inn, Emsworth, owned by friends of Jo and Baz .

Any amount can help this charity with vital services and support for families facing blood cancer and also to fund new research and treatment so future generations can get access to better results.

Baz lived by a simple rule of Win Everyday! Even in the bleakest of times and darkest of days he tried to keep this up.

We can all #bemorebarry

To donate please visit:- Team fundraising for Blood Cancer UK is fundraising for Blood Cancer UK