Georgia & Cenk’s story
In December 2023, we joined celebrity star Georgia Harrison (Love Island and The Challenge) and Leukaemia UK to raise awareness around leukaemia and other blood cancers, as part of their Christmas Appeal. Georgia openly spoke about her best friend, Cenk, who sadly passed away from leukaemia on 21st December 2021, aged 26. Georgia and Cenk first met in school and became friends from that moment on. When remembering her best friend, Georgia describes him saying “Cenk was so full of life, so cheeky, so fun-loving. He just had this incredible way about him – everywhere he went people just loved him. He had the biggest heart.”
Throughout the years, Cenk had several rounds of chemotherapy and Georgia was always by his side. “I’d go and stay with him in hospital and push a single bed up next to his. We were always getting told off by the nurses for having the telly on at night or talking too loud, but we still always had a good time.”
For many years, Leukaemia UK have been working tirelessly to fund research/ treatments for the different types of blood cancers. The charity supports and guides people fighting blood cancer, offering hope, guidance and care to them and their loved ones. Did you know that every day in the UK, around 27 people receive a leukaemia diagnosis?
Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive of Leukaemia UK says: “We firmly believe that research has the power to stop leukaemia devastating lives, and that’s why we’re investing in world-class research to find kinder, more effective treatments. We’re so grateful to Georgia and to Cenk’s family for bravely sharing their story to raise awareness.” To hear more about Georgia and Cenk’s story, watch the full video below.
Thank you
We filmed Georgia’s interview at Leukaemia UK’s London office, capturing some b-roll footage of her chatting and interacting with some of the team. Ending the video, Georgia says “I think it’s so important to support Leukaemia UK.” There are so many amazing treatments out there now, and if it wasn’t for charities like Leukaemia UK, these treatments wouldn’t be available – but there is so much more than can be done. There are so many more treatments to be discovered, and I don’t want families to keep having that empty seat at the dinner table at Christmas. I want there to be a cure for leukaemia, so the best thing we can do is fund research and try to find more treatments.”
As always, a big thank you to Leukaemia UK for their continuous hard work and dedication. We are beyond proud to support such an incredible charity. Georgia, thank you for sharing your heartwarming story about Cenk. If you, a friend or a loved one has any concerns about your/their health, please contact your GP straightaway. Early diagnosis saves lives. Head over to Leukaemia UK’s website to learn more. Thank you.
