This time 10 years ago, Natasha Hunt (formerly Taylor) was battling for her life after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

She went on to launch Leaf (Leukaemia Education and Fundraising) from her bedside.

Since then, Leaf – which is now based at Pamphill Dairy near Wimborne – has helped more than 200 people and raised around £350,000 offering practical support for local people with blood cancers.

“When you get to a milestone like our 10th anniversary it does make you reflect, “ she says.

“It has been an incredible journey. There have been a lot of ups and downs and even now I never take my health for granted.”

Natasha, 38, who married Andrew Hunt, head gardener at Kingston Lacy last December, has three boys aged between 7 and 17.

“I am very proud of how Leaf has evolved over the years.

We support the Dorset Cancer Centre by helping nursing staff to attend blood cancer related training courses when the NHS can’t fund them.

“We also provide practical help for patients whether it be transport to hospital, looking after their pets, food shopping or sorting cleaners.

“It is tailored to suit a person’s individual needs; to take the pressure off at a time when they need to focus on their health.

“We were even able to make a donation to have a gentleman’s sperm frozen and we had a wonderful email from his wife the other day saying he had got through his treatment and they were now using the sperm to start a family. It is wonderful to think Leaf can help to bring new life into the world.”

Natasha’s personal highlights of the past decade include running with the Olympic torch in 2012 and attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

She is also proud of the fact that many of the patients she supports have become friends.

“Some people don’t understand why I want to spend so much time visiting people in hospital as they can’t even drive past Poole Hospital because that’s where they were treated.

But it doesn’t drag me down – it actually lifts me because I can use the experience in a positive way. I actually think it has helped with my recovery.”

Although Natasha was given the all clear five years ago, she admits she still worries.

“I know all the signs. Even 10 years down the line I do panic if I find an unusual bruise or have a sore throat or feel tired. But you can’t keep worrying – you have to live life.”

To celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary, Natasha has planned a number of events including a boat trip around Poole harbour to watch the fireworks in July and an anniversary ball on November 26.

As for the future, Natasha, for once, has no plans to change anything.

“I don’t want to grow Leaf any more, because I think it would become unmanageable and we would lose the personal touch,” she says.

“Hopefully one of my children might take it over in the future as they are part of Leaf’s story and may be able to do more than I can. But more importantly, celebrating the charity’s 10th anniversary is an opportunity to say thank you to everybody who has helped Leaf over the years.

Natasha adds: “Life, all of a sudden, seems to have slotted into a perfect place which is unusual for me – so I hope this time it lasts.”