Our Marathon Monday this week is dedicated to all 185 Anthony Nolan runners who are taking on the Virgin London Marathon this Sunday 21st April.
They are expected to raise an incredible £400,000 for Anthony Nolan. It costs us £100 to recruit each potential donor to the register, so their fundraising really is vital to our lifesaving work. Here are some of the things that they’ve said.
Why are you running the Virgin London Marathon for Anthony Nolan?
“In 2009, I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. Anthony Nolan found me a perfect match. If it wasn’t for the work of Anthony Nolan, I would not have had the chance to live. I would not have had the chance to be a father to my three young children or to become a teacher.”
- Andrew McFadyen, Norfolk
“For me, it’s the completion of a cycle. From being a stem cell donor to becoming a contributor and getting more potential donors on the register.”
- Nir Barak, Essex
“I remember the moment vividly when my best friend, Caroline, was diagnosed with leukaemia. We were told that Caroline had a 20% chance at survival. Fortunately, Anthony Nolan found her an anonymous bone marrow donor and they saved her life.”
- Cathy Ashley, London
“It had got to the point where there was not much hope left. Anthony Nolan helped us when it really mattered, to find a donor and save my sister’s life.”
- Emma Johnson, Oxford
“In 1997, my brother was diagnosed with leukaemia and became very ill. He needed a life saving bone marrow transplant. I wasn’t a match for him but Anthony Nolan found him a donor. 15 years on, he is still cancer free and in good health.”
- Gina Pennington, Cumbria
“I am running the marathon in memory of my mum who lost her battle to cancer in 2006. Her strength and courage during her battle is my inspiration to keep going even when it’s a struggle.”
- Jo Buckton, York
“Recently Charlie Harris-Beard, a local 2 year old boy from Kidderminster, was tragically taken away by an acute form of leukaemia. I wanted to do my little bit to continue his legacy by raising money for such a great cause.”
- Katherine Holmes, Droitwich Spa
“My friend Dean was matched with a donor about 18 months ago, and whilst his match was successful he sadly lost his battle last year. I wanted to give something back to the charity who gave him hope for a future and more time with his friends and family.”
- Jennifer Edwards, Leicestershire
“When I was eight years old, I donated my bone marrow to my sister, Gaby. I want to help those people who aren’t fortunate enough to find a match within their family.”
- Hetty Grain, Kent
“When my father passed away, it made me realise how indiscriminate blood cancer can be. I want to I wanted to run for Anthony Nolan as they save the lives of people with the same condition which my father had.”
- Lottie Young, Exeter
What will be the first thing you will do when you finish the race?
“Smile and cry at the same time, then give my son a cuddle.”
- Jo Buckton, York
“See all of my friends and family who have come to support me.”
- Emma Johnson, Oxford
"First thing will be to find my family who will be out on the course supporting me and have a beer!”
- Gina Pennington, Cumbria
“Kiss my wonderful wife.”
- Nir Barak, Essex
Thank you so much to all of our amazing runners and best of luck for Sunday!
If you would like to join us on the day and cheer our runners along, please fill out your contact details and we can send you more information.
You can apply now to secure your place in the 2014 Virgin London Marathon by simply filling out this application form. We’ll start allocating our places on Friday 26 April 2013, so make sure you get your application in soon. If you have any questions about the Virgin London Marathon, or about any of the other challenge events we have on offer, drop us a line on 0303 303 3000 or email events@anthonynolan.org and we will be happy to help.