So here I am approaching 30, thinking what could I do as a challenge to celebrate turning 30?.... and that is where this story begins... sort of!

Many of you who know me, know how rocky the past few years have been. At first losing Mike to Leukaemia and then Elishar, I don't believe that saying lightning doesn't strike twice because it does and it did. I was devastated not to lose one friend but also another to the same awful disease that is blood cancer. At the time I remember thinking about both of their 30th birthdays and how unfair it was that we couldn't celebrate as it was such a landmark age for both Elishar and Mike. Mike often spoke about how he was going to celebrate his birthday and Elishar was poorly in hospital, but she wanted a big celebration when she was out. Unfortunately for Mike and Elishar there wasn't a big 30th celebration that they so deserved. 

When many people are being diagnosed with Leukaemia all they want is hope and that is why I have decided to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust. The Anthony Nolan Trust help to match stem cell transplants providing hope that there could be a second chance. Both Mike and Elishar received stem cells, but unfortunately did not make the full recovery we all desperately wanted. I do know how much the news of a match meant to them both. 

So to celebrate not only my own 30th but a delayed 30th for both Mike and Elishar, I would like to raise £2000 by running the London Marathon in their memory to help fund stem cell research and transplant matches for other people suffering with Leukaemia in the future. I can only hope I make both Mike and Elishar proud and also everyone who has supported me on this long journey. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, any donations no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated. 

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