On 3 October 2021, I will be running the London Marathon on behalf of Anthony Nolan.

Anthony Nolan is a phenomenal charity that does crucial work in saving the lives of those living with blood cancer and blood disorders by conducting vital research, finding matches for the purpose of stem cell transplants, as well as providing support and care for those affected by these awful conditions. 

I have been on the stem cell register for a number of years. Some of you will know that, in early 2019, I was contacted by Anthony Nolan who told me that I was a match for someone suffering with an aggressive form of blood cancer. I donated my stem cells in July 2019.

Despite the donation initially appearing successful, the person to whom the cells were donated took a turn for the worse and, while I was preparing for a second donation, she sadly passed away. 

This serves to underline how important Anthony Nolan's work is and, while significant progress has been made over the last few years, further work is desperately required.

The team at Anthony Nolan are incredible and immensely supportive and I would heartily recommend signing up to the stem cell register - it is a really easy process that takes five minute and one which could save someone's life. 

Anthony Nolan:

Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. We do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. We also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. We won’t stop until we save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings us closer to that day.