Alana Matthews thought she had flu she couldn’t shake but when she found herself struggling to breathe she received the devastating diagnosis
When Alana Matthews found she was struggling to clear a bout of the flu she put it down to bugs which were circulating at the time. But despite two visits to the GP where she was told it was likely to be a chest infection, she continued to feel unwell.
When she found herself unable to keep up with her partner and friend they knew something was seriously amiss. But it took a 999 call when the then 26-year-old was rushed to hospital after struggling to get her breath that she finally learned the devastating truth.
Rather than the flu or chest infection, Alana was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer. AML is one of the hardest to treat blood cancers, and tragically, despite fighting to beat the disease, Alana died just 18 months after first becoming unwell.
Her best friend is now sharing the heartbreaking story as part of AML Awareness Day as Blood Cancer UK reveal that only three in 10 people currently survive the hardest to treat blood cancers. Katie Powell, from London, wants to highlight the urgent need for earlier diagnosis and access to the latest treatments and trials.
Katie said: “At the end of 2023, she had what seemed like really bad flu – it was that time of year when everything is going around. But she just couldn’t shake it off.”
Alana visited her GP twice where she was told it was likely the “back end of a chest infection” but by February, her condition had worsened. Katie said: “I remember walking next to her and then realising she was about 20 metres behind me.
“She was so out of breath, she just couldn’t keep up. We were all looking at each other thinking, ‘this isn’t right’.”
The next day, Alana’s partner Charlie Matthews was forced to call 999 when she struggled to breathe. She was admitted to hospital, where tests revealed she had AML. Katie said: “They said it was aggressive and they needed to act now. She stayed in hospital for six months from that point.”
Alana underwent intensive chemotherapy and went into remission by July 2024, even graduating from university with a first-class degree during a brief period of recovery. But just weeks later, her cancer returned. She went on to have further treatment, including taking part in clinical trials that were testing new drug combinations.
At first, the trial appeared promising, yet despite further aggressive chemotherapy, doctors eventually told Alana and her family there were no more treatment options. When doctors later told her there were no more treatment options, Alana and her husband organised their wedding in just five days.
“It was emotional, but it was also just a really beautiful day, she powered through – I think it was her perfect wedding. She just got on with it, she never complained. Her attitude was always, ‘well, what other option do I have?’. She was my hero! She had the most incredible sense of humour – her laugh was contagious and she could make any situation better.”
Even towards the end of her life, Alana continued to support those around her. While Katie took part in a fundraising walk from London to Brighton, Alana sent voice notes of encouragement.
“She FaceTimed us while we were walking, even then, she was the one lifting us up.” Alana died in October 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Katie is now urging others to push for answers if something doesn’t feel right.
“If there’s one thing she would say, it’s: trust your gut. She went to the GP twice and was told it was just flu – no tests were done. She knew something wasn’t right.”
Blood cancer is the UK’s third biggest cancer killer, yet survival for some types – including AML – remains poor. While survival has improved significantly for many blood cancers, only around 3 in 10 people survive the hardest-to-treat types. Blood Cancer UK figures show more than 2,900 people are diagnosed with AML in the UK every year.
Jane Nunnick, Senior Clinical Trials Nurse at Blood Cancer UK, said: “Alana’s story demonstrates that progress has been far too slow for some people with blood cancer. While survival has improved for many, the outlook for aggressive diseases like acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remains poor.
“That’s why clinical trials are so vital, they give people who desperately need them, access to the latest treatments. We urgently need to see more investment in treatments and trials so that more people like Alana have a chance to live.”
Since Alana’s death, Katie has raised thousands for Blood Cancer UK through an 85-mile walk from London to Brighton and a half marathon. She said: “I needed to do something that pushed me mentally and physically.
“She went through so much – I felt like I could push myself too. If her story can help even one person – whether that’s spotting symptoms earlier, pushing for answers, or just feeling less alone – that’s what she would have wanted.”
Blood Cancer UK has invested £500 million in research in blood cancer since 1960. Currently the charity is funding 100 research projects at a total cost of £31.7 million. To keep up-to-date with all the latest blood cancer news, go to https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/ and find us on social media.
For free and confidential support, and information on blood cancer and life after a diagnosis, call us on 0808 2080 888 or email us at [email protected]. Join our online forum and talk to others affected by blood cancer at forum.bloodcancer.org.uk
