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In October 2021 I am running the London Marathon for the Anthony Nolan trust in memory of my beautiful Mum, Maria.

My mum successfully beat breast cancer in 2011, but in 2012 she was diagnosed with leukaemia. After extensive chemotherapy and isolation up in the Royal Free hospital in London she received a life saving stem cell transplant. The Anthony Nolan trust found a suitable match for this transplant to happen, and after a few months Mum went in to remission. 

For a brief period of time she was able to go back to normal life and witnessed the birth of my beautiful niece - Annabel. This is where mum realised one of her dreams - a baby girl in the family! After having 3 boys and her first grandson Eddie, the arrival of Annabel came just in time. With her new found health, mum was able to care for Eddie and Annabel, spoil them and take them on day trips. Both her grandchildren got to make special memories with their Nonna, which are priceless to us as a family. I'm so proud that both of them remember her and carry her spirit.

Unfortunately, the leukaemia returned after Mum got sick in 2015, we were on the wrong side of the statistics which see 1/3 transplant patients survive beyond 5 years.

Mum passed away on April 16th 2015 at around 2am, she fought for a very long time, but this was one battle too far. However, she showed miraculous strength to hold on until the 16th - the day after Annabel's 1st birthday. We believe she knew what she was doing, she kept given us signals that she did not want to pass on Annabel's birthday, that was her birthday and she didn't want it to be associated with anything sad.

I am eternally indebted to the Anthony Nolan Trust for giving my mum extra time with all of us, even if the outcome was not what we had hoped. Therefore, I am taking on the marathon after being lucky enough to be given a place by this incredible charity. Despite being lazy and having sciatica I am doing this to help them raise money to increase their donor register, save more people and give families more precious time with their loved ones.

If the money I raise prevents 1 family or 1 person enduring the pain we have as a family then that represents success. The money we raise increases the register which boosts the odds of finding stem cell donors and gives people a second chance. 

Any level of donation will be appreciated!

Mum - I am doing this for you, you battled so hard and endured a lot of pain for us. I know it's going to be hard, but nothing compared to what you did. I promise I will cross that line even if I have 1 leg or if I am exhausted. You didn't give up, so what right do I have to give up? I know you'll be pushing me all the way.

Sará perche ti amo x