Mark was a dear friend of 20+ years and godfather to my son. He sadly lost his battle at the age of 52, with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome), a type of blood cancer, in November 2018 after his second battle with blood cancer. Mark always thought of others before himself and raised a huge amount for Anthony Nolan, the charity that was to help him, before he passed away. 

When I found out about Mark's second blood cancer diagnosis, I really wanted to help in some way but was too old to join the stem cell register, so although I was not really a runner at the time, I applied to run the London Marathon for Anthony Nolan to help raise vital funds.  Surprisingly, I was given a place and that is where my journey started with Anthony Nolan.  

During a final conversation with Mark in 2018, we talked about my fund raising for Anthony Nolan and running the marathon. Although Mark was very ill, his main concern was making sure we continued to raise vital funds for the charity should he not make it through his treatment. We never expected Mark not to make it and we had planned for him to travel to London to watch me cross the finish line of my first marathon, but unfortunately infections got the better of him and he never made it through the rest of his treatment.

I therefore carried out my promise and have been fund raising for Anthony Nolan ever since.  I have completed two London Marathons (2019 & 2021), the Great North Run in 2019, a virtual marathon in 2020, and several other virtual races in 2020.  

So far I have raised just over £17,000 for Anthony Nolan but I want to do so much more for this amazing charity. Therefore, I'll be undertaking several race challenges in 2022 including a marathon and the Great North Run, as well as organising fund raising events.

I am hoping that we can raise even more for Anthony Nolan to help save more lives in memory of Mark and keep his spirit of helping others alive.

We miss Mark every single day and he will always be in our hearts. He would be very happy to know that we are continuing to save lives and help Anthony Nolan who were there for him when he needed them.  

This is for you Mark! 💚🖤