12:30, 04 September 2025
Words by Harrison Read, Staff Writer, London
At just 24, GK, lead singer of witchy alternative rock band VENUS GRRRLS, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). One moment, the band was riding the wave of growing success, playing more shows than ever. The next, GK was undergoing emergency chemotherapy, just hours after receiving the life-changing diagnosis.
Smiley News tagged along for one of their first-ever headline tour dates, where special guest Anthony Nolan was also in attendance. Tying into the band's history, GK used the opportunity to highlight the importance of joining the stem cell register, a cause that aligns closely with Anthony Nolan’s mission of matching stem cell donors with people in urgent need of life-saving transplants.
Since its founding over 50 years ago, Anthony Nolan has given thousands a second chance at life and with blood cancer being the 5th most common cancer, it is more important than ever for young people to take a few minutes to become a donor.
As Blood Cancer Awareness Month has come back around, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with a long-form video that revisits GK and VENUS GRRRLS’ journey, reflecting on how the band overcame a challenging time, and how their mission evolved into something greater than music.
Feel free to read our previous article here: https://smileymovement.org/news/venus-grrrls-bloodsick
Sign up here: linktr.ee/venusgrrrls
Learn more about Anthony Nolan: www.anthonynolan.org
Watch the full video to hear from GK and the band about the importance of sharing your story and how even the darkest moments can birth new music and a call to action.
