West Sussex fire technician takes on charity challenge after cancer diagnoses

Kellie Newman, who works for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS), has committed to reading at least five chapters of a book every day throughout September.

She said: "Even though I'm a massive bookworm, I'm not always a consistent one.

“This reading challenge is my small way of giving something back.”

In 2014, when she was just 18 years old, Kellie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Within 24 hours of receiving the news, she was admitted to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Southampton Hospital, where she spent the next eight months undergoing treatment before reaching remission. However, after nearly 18 months in remission, Kellie's leukaemia returned when she was 21.

This time, she spent six months as an inpatient receiving intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while preparing for a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Speaking about the support she received, Kellie said: "The Teenage Cancer Trust goes above and beyond to support young people and their families through what can be one of the most terrifying and difficult experiences imaginable.

"I'm not built to run marathons or jump out of planes, so when I saw this challenge, I knew it was my time to shine! I'm currently reading my way through the challenge, discovering some new favourite books along the way, and raising money for a charity that helped me through one of the hardest chapters of my life.

"The money raised will help the Teenage Cancer Trust continue providing the support, safe spaces, activities and practical help that made such a difference to me, so they can be there for the next young person and family who suddenly find themselves facing cancer."

Kellie’s original goal was to raise £150 but she had ‘smashed that target’ before September had even begun.

She added: “Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated. I've now increased the target to £500 and I'm hoping we can beat that too.”

To support Kellie's fundraiser, and read more about her story, visit: https://support.teenagecancertrust.org/fundraisers/kellienewman/september-reading-challenge-2026