Mel Walker from Comber in County Down learned in May 2025 that she has Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer affecting plasma cells in the immune system. The condition causes persistent pain, fatigue, bruising, frequent infections and bone damage.

Around 173 people receive a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis each year in Northern Ireland. Diagnosis takes an average of five months, the longest among cancers. Treatments manage the incurable disease.

Walker's symptoms started with shoulder pain, fatigue and discomfort. By diagnosis, she had blood clots and bone damage. She underwent chemotherapy, further treatments and a stem cell transplant.

Walker spoke at Stormont to call for earlier diagnosis and better understanding of Multiple Myeloma. She joins Myeloma Forward support groups in Belfast and Ballymena.

Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist Emma Kerrigan at South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advises seeing a GP for persistent bone pain, extreme tiredness, recurrent infections or unexplained weight loss.

Walker credits staff at Ulster Hospital for care during her treatment. She urges those diagnosed to seek support from available communities.