On Wednesday 21st September 2022 on National Fitness Day I will be running my first half marathon and combining it with cycling and rowing to complete 50 miles in a day to raise awareness of blood cancer. 

The event will take place at the University of Wolverhampton City Campus courtyard and I am hoping with the help of Team WLV we can complete the distance of the longest river in the UK, The River Severn which totals 220 miles. So please come along and jump on a treadmill, bike or rowing machine and help me do the distance for this very important cause. 

Why is it important? - Blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects your blood cells. Over 40,000 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer each year in the UK, and over 250,000 people are currently living with blood cancer. 

In December 2019 my world changed when my Dad, who had been perfectly fit and well, was diagnosed with AML leukaemia. It has been a life changing experience to see first hand the journey of a leukaemia patient having to endure periods of weeks and months in hospital for very intensive treatment. As a daughter I could not have been more proud of my Dad for the courage and bravery he showed in his fight against leukaemia. Sadly, he lost his battle in July 2020.

I am undertaking this challenge in his memory and for all those on a similar journey fighting their battle with blood cancer or living with the scars it leaves behind.

Blood Cancer UK is committed to beating blood cancer and since 1960, they have invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, their community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.

I would be grateful if you could support me and Team WLV so we can help raise awareness of blood cancer and help further the fantastic work of Blood Cancer UK.

Rebecca