A CITY and Wiltshire councillor is raising money for the Stars Appeal after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia aged just 26. 

Charles McGrath, Wiltshire Councillor for Salisbury Milford and Salisbury City Councillor for Milford, but began experiencing extreme tiredness, fatigue, breathlessness and a mouth infection in August.

His diagnosis came on September 16. 

As part of his treatment, Cllr McGrath was placed on an intensive six-month course of chemotherapy, which caused his hair to begin rapidly falling out.

Instead of simply shaving his head in the mirror and throwing the hair away, Cllr McGrath retained the commitment to community which inspired him to become a councillor.

Cllr McGrath said: “When I decided to shave my rapidly thinning hair, I thought, why not raise some money for the Stars Appeal in the process?

"From free WiFi around the hospital to the latest diagnostic and treatment tools, every penny that goes to Stars is making a difference to me and all the other patients at SDH.”

During the long hours he has now spent as an inpatient at Salisbury District Hospital, Cllr McGrath said he benefitted numerous times from the amenities which have been provided through the Stars Appeal charity, which has paid for the hospital’s free WiFi and extra medical equipment, as well as providing volunteers who assist hospital staff where needed.

Cllr McGrath set up a JustGiving page on October 20, with the goal of raising £500 for Stars Appeal.

As the time writing, the campaign has garnered £1,005 from 40 donors, including fellow councillors.

The level of response has prompted Cllr McGrath to set his sights on £2,000 being raised through the campaign.

Most people under the age of 30 years would be quite unexpectant at receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Through his experience, Cllr McGrath wanted to encourage people to always monitor their health, no matter their age.

Cllr McGrath said: “My message to people would be: don’t underplay the symptoms. It’s so important that people read up on these symptoms and never assume it’s not you - leukaemia can affect anyone of any age, from childhood to later life.

"Also, if you don’t feel like your symptoms are being noticed by your GP, or you’re struggling to get an in-person appointment with them, always be persistent. According to the haematologists looking after me now, it saved my life.”

You can donate to Cllr McGrath's campaign supporting Stars Appeal here.