Northumberland man who dismissed tiredness as flu diagnosed with leukaemia

Dan Wright, 33, from Cramlington, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in October 2025.

In the weeks prior, he had suffered from flu-like symptoms and assumed he had picked up a virus.

He developed extremely high temperatures, fluctuating between 39°C and 40°C, as well as a lack of appetite and profound tiredness.

Dan visited his GP several times and was initially told he appeared to have a viral infection, but when the high temperatures persisted, he went to A&E.

He was subsequently told that blood tests found his blood counts were extremely low, and he had virtually no neutrophils or white blood cells to fight infection.

Dan was told that doctors suspected he had a problem with his bone marrow and could have leukaemia.

He was then transferred to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where he underwent a bone marrow biopsy, and on 14 October, his diagnosis of AML was confirmed.

Dan, a mechanical engineer, said: “I thought I had flu - I never imagined it could be leukaemia.

“I've always been quite stubborn when it comes to doctors. I was only 33, I was fit and healthy, and I thought there couldn't really be anything seriously wrong with me.

“But deep down I had that feeling that something wasn't right.

“Then they told me they thought I had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). That was a bit of a pill to swallow.

“It all happened so quickly. I went from thinking I had a cold or a virus to suddenly being told I had leukaemia.”

Prior to his diagnosis, Dan was also preparing for the Great North Run, having completed the event for five consecutive years, raising money for various leukaemia charities.

But three miles into the race, he knew something wasn't right.

He said: “Normally I would set off and my friend would struggle to keep up with me, but this time I just didn't feel right.

“I thought it was the flu, but I still carried on and finished the race.

“When I met my wife afterwards, she just said, ‘You don't look well’.”

Dan started chemotherapy that same night as his diagnosis with an initial plan to undergo three rounds.

But within days, further tests showed that his AML was aggressive and that chemotherapy alone was unlikely to be enough, meaning he would need chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

Fortunately, Dan's brother was tested to see whether he could donate stem cells, and he was a full match, something that happens in only around one in four cases between siblings.

His brother donated his cells at the end of January, and on 4 February 2026, Dan received his stem cell transplant.

After spending months in hospital and in isolation, even everyday activities became difficult when he first returned home.

He said: “There were times when I needed help getting in and out of the shower.

“You don't think about things like that when you're young and fit.

“I've been so thankful for my wife, my family and the support network we've had.”

Dan is not back to running or cycling yet, but he is taking things one day at a time - walking regularly and using light weights to gradually rebuild his strength.

His advice to anyone who suddenly finds themselves in a similar situation is to simply "listen to your body."

He said: "I've always thought of myself as a really strong, fit lad, but you've got to be aware of yourself and listen to your body.

“I lived ‘one day at a time’ when I was in hospital, and I think that's something everyone can take into everyday life.

"You just have to concentrate on what you're doing that day."

This September, during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Leukaemia Care is encouraging people to “SPOT” leukaemia by becoming more aware of the signs and symptoms.

Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, said: "Blood cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or how fit and healthy they may appear, just as it did with Dan.

“During Blood Cancer Awareness Month, our SPOT leukaemia campaign is about helping people recognise the signs and symptoms and encouraging them to seek medical advice if something doesn't feel right.

“Just as importantly, we want people affected by a diagnosis - and their families - to know that Leukaemia Care is there to support them through what can be an incredibly difficult journey.”