Rachel Daly Named Ambassador for Cure Leukaemia, Aims to Raise Awareness for Research Funding

Aston Villa striker Rachel Daly has been appointed an ambassador for the cancer charity Cure Leukaemia, with hopes of raising awareness about the need for funding research nurses. Daly, 32, was introduced to the charity during an England training camp at St George’s Park and says the decision to get involved was a “no-brainer.”

Daly, who retired from international football earlier this year, has a personal connection to the cause. Her grandmother was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) eight years ago, a condition where the bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes.

“It’s been a sore subject in my family,” Daly told BBC Sport. “We’ve been living with that in the family for many years now and I was always passionate about it.”

The Euro 2022 winner is determined to use her platform to support the charity’s efforts in funding research nurses, who play a crucial role in running clinical trials and finding new treatments.

“To know there are people out there that are really trying to help is amazing,” Daly said.

Raising Awareness for Families

Daly shared how learning about CLL has helped her family cope with the illness and hopes her experience can assist other families facing similar challenges. Her grandmother, who now lives in a nursing home, receives two major treatments each year.

“It’s a constant battle,” Daly explained, noting how her grandmother initially showed no symptoms. “It was really scary as we didn’t know what was going on. To find out it was that, it was tough.”

Despite the challenges, Daly remains hopeful. “There can be some light at the end of the tunnel and some success stories,” she said.

Using Her Platform to Drive Change

Daly is committed to making a difference beyond football, using her status to push for positive change. After visiting Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital in December, Daly was moved by the experience and sees her role with Cure Leukaemia as part of her broader mission to influence the world positively.

“The spotlight is on us, and we’ve earned that right, so I don’t want to see that go by the wayside and just post pictures on Instagram,” Daly emphasized. “I’m not just here to be a footballer, I’m here to make the world a better place.”