Late last year, one of our closest friends, Isaac, was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) – just days before a holiday, we never got to take.

The chemotherapy drastically weakened Isaac’s immune system, and he contracted an infection which led to sepsis and gangrene. After a short battle Isaac passed away on May 21st, 2024, aged 21 years old.

Archie and I spent several days and evenings in The Royal Hallamshire Hospital and at home with Isaac, and he spoke very highly of the charities that were helping him. Namely being Teenage Cancer Trust, and Anthony Nolan.

We both applied for charity places back in early May as a way to raise some money for charities close to Isaac’s heart. I have accepted a place with Anthony Nolan, and Archie has accepted a place with Teenage Cancer Trust. All funds raised by this page will be split equally between both charities.

Jack’s Charity – Anthony Nolan

Isaac was very passionate about Anthony Nolan as their stem cell register had the potential to offer him a full recovery from his illness. He was persistent in getting the lads to sign up to the donor register, and when I spoke to Isaac about applying for the London marathon, he asked that I applied through Anthony Nolan.

Due to this, I’ve set myself a target of running the London marathon with #teamAN - the goal being to raise as much money as possible and raise a bit more awareness.

Anthony Nolan’s Work

- Anthony Nolan is the charity that makes lifesaving connections between people with blood cancer, and individuals willing to donate stem cells.

- Anthony Nolan’s growing register saves around 3 lives daily.

- Anthony Nolan also conducts groundbreaking research and provides post-transplant care.

Donating to Anthony Nolan

The Anthony Nolan charity relies on public fundraising to perform its work. It costs around £40 for Anthony Nolan to add a potential donor to their register. This is why it’s so important to donate, so that people like Isaac have hope for recovery.

Regardless of whether you can donate money, please join the stem cell register! Pretty much anyone aged 16 – 30 can sign up to the register and all it takes is posting a swab from your cheeks to Anthony Nolan. There is no downside, and you could save someone’s life!

Archie’s Charity – Teenage Cancer Trust

The teenage cancer trust made Isaac’s time in hospital and chemotherapy treatment more comfortable supporting him and his family. The TCT team helped across the board, from funding data for his phone to introducing Hannah. Hannah was his dedicated nurse providing around the clock pastoral support. The charity and their team helped Isaac to a feel, even if just a little, more in control of his battle with Leukaemia.

Running the London marathon to give just one more young adult the support Isaac received will make running the marathon more than worth it.

Teenage Cancer Trusts Work – No young person faces cancer alone

- 121 funded specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS, so young people have dedicated staff and facilities to support them throughout treatment.

- The 28 Teenage Cancer Trust units don’t feel like hospital. They’re specially designed spaces where young people facing cancer can feel at home, meet others their age, welcome family and friends, and get the very best care from dedicated nurses and youth support teams.

- TCT run events for young people with cancer to help them regain independence and meet other young people going through something similar.

Some Stats

- £15.8mm / year to provide the 121 frontline TCT specialists and 28 TCT units

- 7 young adults (13 – 24 year olds) are told “you have cancer” every day

- 86% of funding comes from donations and legacies.

If you can donate, any contributions will be greatly appreciated. Your support to improve the next person’s experience with cancer will go a long way. Please could we ask that you split donations 50/50 between Anthony Nolan and TCT.

Thank you!

Jack & Archie