Peachi PT (based in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne, VIC) started the Bootcamp for Blood Cancer in 2019, and Rebecca was right alongside helping us organise the event.

Bec was a close friend of Kim (the owner of Peachi PT) – she was one of Peachi’s first official clients, a huge advocate of the community from the very beginning, was one of those incredible friends who always showed unwavering support and belief in those around her.

As an esteemed member serving in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Bec was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of 27. She fought courageously against the disease with 15 months of treatment, then underwent a stem cell transplant with the help of an international donor. Although she entered remission following this, Bec developed a condition known as Graft vs. Host Disease, which led to a series of severe challenges to her body and immune system. Bec lost her fight just two weeks before her 29th birthday.

Even while undergoing her own treatment Bec put so much energy into raising awareness and funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. To honour her strength and her selfless efforts, the ‘Rebecca Gumley Blood Cancer Research Fund’ was created and is dedicated to helping the Centre for Blood Transplant & Cell Therapy.

Bec is the reason the Bootcamp for Blood Cancer was created; her and Kim planned the first one together. Since her passing after the first Bootcamp, it is now an inaugural event run in her honour to carry on her efforts to raise awareness and improve treatment options for those diagnosed with Leukaemia.

+ Read more on Bec’s story and Graft vs. Host disease – tap here to visit the Rebecca Gumley Blood Cancer Research Fund.