Ellissa and Phil on setting big goals

Cycling through the odds – Ellissa Baskind

Dr Ellissa Baskind is a Consultant Gynaecologist and works on the IVF unit at Seacroft Hospital. In December 2019 Ellissa was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia and she explains how cycling gave her a focus during treatment.

“I have had exceptional care from the haematology oncology team and I am immensely grateful for the innovative treatment that has successfully treated my leukaemia to date. When I was first admitted to hospital I was given an exercise bike that I rode every day as a focus for my physical and mental health. At home I continued and for every admission my friend, my bike was ready for me in my room. Unfortunately, my chemotherapy was unsuccessful and the only treatment available was a stem cell transplant from my sister, who lives in Israel. At the time, lockdown prevented travel so the Anthony Nolan charity stepped in. They facilitated the harvesting of my sister’s stem cells and a courier to Heathrow Airport and then St James’s Hospital. I began my #greatstemcellcyclechallenge on the day of my transplant, July 23rd 2020; a challenge to cycle the distance my cells travelled across Europe and the Middle East, from Jerusalem to Leeds . A total of 3207 miles in the following 12 months. I cycled every day in my room on J88, giving myself targets to cycle longer distances each day including virtual classes alongside friends. There were times when I could barely breathe my face was so swollen, but the bike in the corner of the room got me moving every day. It made me stronger and gave me a focus and routine when I was alone for weeks.

The staff kept my water jug filled up and brought me extra towels, often popping in and cheering me on. Sometimes I was peddling away during ward rounds, connected to my chemotherapy, blood or platelets and by the end of my admission I was averaging at 10 miles a day. I had a setback when I was re-admitted with complications of my transplant. I lost a lot of weight and needed powerful immunosuppressants and steroids, but the bike kept me going. I fought with my head many days to get out of bed and pedal, even if it was only a mile or two. There were dark days, but the bike was always the light in my room that kept me going. I spent Christmas in isolation - the staff kept my spirits up, and the bike that goes nowhere took me to a place of survival. In January I was back working, albeit clinics from home, and in June I returned to what I love - seeing patients and back in my role as caregiver. Stronger, wiser and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a patient. Something that I hope I will carry with me throughout my future career.

I celebrated my transplant birthday by virtually climbing the volcano Haleakala – about 100 miles in six gruelling consecutive hours, up steep gradients, together with colleagues from the IVF unit who have supported me all the way. I had cycled over my target - a total of 3327 miles!

I am so proud to have achieved my goal, as well as raising £20,000 for Anthony Nolan through the challenge! I’ve also raised awareness and got several hundred people onto the Anthony Nolan and DKMS registers to potentially help others who need a lifesaving stem cell transplant.”

Keep on running – Phil Sesemann

Phil Sesemann, who has worked for LTHT in A&E throughout the pandemic, recently finished in an amazing seventh place at the London Marathon - all the more incredible because it was his first ever marathon.

He ran a time of two hours, 12 minutes and 58 seconds which secures qualification for the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. He trains with his dog Kipchoge. “I’m very fortunate to be part time. If you are full time it’s easy to forget about your health and wellbeing and just concentrate on your work. But your health and wellbeing needs to be as important as work, if not more so. If you set yourself an alarm for work you should also try and set yourself some goals about being active. “And if you are going to exercise I think it’s important that you don’t flog yourself every time - the goal is consistency, not one big run. You need to take it easy - even if it means walking - because you want to be able to do it again and again and again. You’ll get faster and it will get easier and before you know it it’s less of a chore and something you really look forward to!”