Hope for aggressive blood cancer: Leigh’s second chance, thanks to cancer research
4 min read 11 July 2025
At just 36 years old, Leigh’s life was completely turned upside down when he was diagnosed with blood cancer. But thanks to research at Peter Mac, and the compassionate people who support it, he’s been given another shot at life.
And now, Leigh wants to give back.
Leigh pictured with his niece.
Leigh’s entire life changed in an instant
Life was good for Leigh. He had a steady job, active weekends camping and playing golf, and a blossoming romance with Megan – the love of his life.
Leigh felt happier, fitter, and healthier than ever. Until one day in the shower after a busy day of golf with his friends, he discovered a lump in his groin.
He didn’t think too much about it at first, but tests soon revealed the lump to be aggressive lymphoma – a type of blood cancer that’s known to grow and spread rapidly.
“I had the initial PET scan and the cancer was everywhere. It was concentrated to the groin, but it was all over my body.” – Leigh
Doctors told Leigh that, while his cancer was aggressive, it was likely to respond well to treatment. So, Leigh undertook six rounds of chemotherapy, and was given the ‘all clear’.
To celebrate, Leigh and Megan set off on the road for a dream trip around Australia. But they did not get very far. Just as he started to settle into the holiday, the pain returned – and so did the cancer.
Leigh started chemotherapy again, before undergoing a stem cell transplant (a procedure that replaces blood-forming cells within bone marrow) here at Peter Mac.
The treatments were necessary to stop Leigh’s cancer, but they took a heavy toll.
“There'd be days I could barely get out of bed, or I'd be on the couch and couldn't even get up to get my bottle of water. Even lifting my arm was just an effort.”
But Leigh kept going.
Improved treatments, fewer side effects
Targeted cancer research is bringing hope for people like Leigh because it can kill cancer without harsh side effects.
Current cancer treatments like those that Leigh went through are effective, but often come with some challenging side effects. That’s where Peter Mac’s world-class researchers are leading the way.
Researchers like Associate Professor Mary Ann Anderson.
Peter Mac researcher A/Prof Anderson in her lab.
With her team, A/Prof Anderson is developing targeted treatments that attack cancer cells directly – leaving healthy cells alone. Allowing people like Leigh to treat their cancer, without the same side effects.
A/Prof Anderson says: “These newer treatments target the genetic changes in cancer cells, helping avoid harsh side effects.”
This approach not only stops cancer in the short term but could also help more people stay in remission longer – and even lead to cures.
But promising research like this is made possible only with the help of our supporters. People who take action to fund the next cancer breakthrough.
The chance to change lives
Leigh’s treatment and transplant were successful, and while he still faces side effects, his scans are currently clear.
But he knows there’s always a chance the cancer could come back. He says, “I’ll be monitored. I’ll be at risk for the rest of my life.”
That’s why cancer research matters. Because cancer research and new breakthroughs can change and save the lives of people like Leigh.
Research can reduce the risk of recurrence. It can lead to better outcomes, longer lives, ultimately more cancer cures.
Support from people like you can help make more life-saving research possible. You can help accelerate research like A/Prof Anderson’s and stop cancer coming back for people like Leigh.
Leigh’s plans to continue the fight
After all that Leigh has been through, he is committed to helping support cancer research for the next person like him. So they don’t have to go through what he did. And he’s done so in a very special, and long-lasting way.
“Life for me now is better than it has ever been. I'm full of energy and have a newfound perspective that helps me value every little moment. Moments I have, because of Peter Mac and its supporters.” – Leigh
“I've decided to leave a gift in my Will because I like the idea that, after I’m gone, I'm still helping fight the good fight with so many others.”
His goal? For more people to join him in supporting life-saving cancer research, so fewer and fewer people will be impacted by cancer.
A legacy of gratitude
Leigh has made the decision to include a gift in his Will to help accelerate ground-breaking cancer research at Peter Mac.
If you’re like Leigh and inspired to leave a lasting legacy by becoming a Peter Mac Friend for Life, please contact our Gift in Wills and Estates Manager, Bethan Hazell, on (03) 8559 7777 or email
Find out more about including a gift in your Will
“Knowing that I’ll continue to make a difference even after I’m gone gives me peace of mind.”