Gemma Sutherington
Bezzing around Berlin to Beat Blood Cancer
Fundraising for Anthony Nolan
Story
Blood cancer changed our lives.
John James Sutherington, my dad, was a well-loved family and community man, keen sportsman and brilliant musician. Though generally healthy and active, in late 2012 Dad began experiencing increasing fatigue and breathlessness. In early 2013 he was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer called myelodysplasia and a rare blood condition called aplastic anaemia. These serious diseases impact blood and bone marrow—the soft, spongy tissue found inside bones that produce blood cells.
Dad's bone marrow wasn't making enough healthy blood cells and the disease was progressing quickly. A bone marrow transplant was his best option for survival.
The Anthony Nolan charity began their search for a stem cell match for Dad.
In April 2014, Anthony Nolan found a match for Dad in Germany. On May 8th, 2014 (on his 65th birthday) Dad underwent a stem cell transplant at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The fluid looked like tiny bits of glitter and we both willed them to work their magic. The transplant was a success and gave Dad just over 4 more precious years of life. Those years were a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Sadly, in August 2018, Dad developed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a fast-growing blood cancer which would be fatal. Dad deteriorated quickly and died in hospital on October 6th, 2018.
Words could never describe how devastating it is to watch someone you love unconditionally, lose themselves to cancer. Cancer tested Dad to his very limits physically and emotionally, he fought at every step.
We lost a legend when we lost Dad. However, we’d have lost him much sooner if it hadn’t been for the incredible work of Anthony Nolan and the NHS.
Why Berlin and why a marathon?
I’ve never ran a marathon, and it is something that I have always said I would never do! But, Berlin caught my eye because the hero who donated their stem cells to Dad was German. This year is also the 50th anniversary of Anthony Nolan and the 50th Berlin Marathon, so it’s a big deal – like Dad!
Before Berlin, I'll also be running at least one official race per month to add to the challenge, as listed below:
May 8th Mad Hatters 5 mile trail run (Dad's birthday and stem cell transplant anniversary) DONE!
May 21st Quarry Bank 10km trail run DONE!
May 25th Greater Manchester half marathon DONE and a PB!!! Yippee! 🥳
June 18th Lyme Park 10km trail run DONE with a course PB of 13 minutes faster than 2023...smashed it! 🤗🌳
July 23rd Alderley Edge 10km trail run - done!
September 29th BERLIN!
I hope that these races will encourage people to donate too. I will update on my progress, pain and pleasure (?) as the weeks progress. You can follow my progress on Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/22011387
I am not a fast or strong runner, running is hard and 26.2 miles is a LONG way! But, I'm up for it if it can help more people with blood cancer have a second chance of life.
If you are able to donate then it is much appreciated. I understand that money is tight for lots of people and it's hard to find spare cash, every penny counts and just £1 can make a difference. See how here:
https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/donate-money/where-your-money-goes
Thank you for reading and I hope you are able to support me to help this fantastic charity.
Love Gemma X
