For this week's Marathon Mondays feature, read about a Cardiff local is preparing to take on the Virgin Money London Marathon in memory of 8-year-old Hollie Clark.
Hollie very sadly died of blood cancer last November, after her appeal for a stem cell donor captured the hearts of thousands.
Richard Steer, a friend of the Clark family, has decided to take on the marathon to continue Hollie’s lifesaving legacy by raising funds for Anthony Nolan, the charity which finds donors for people like Hollie in need of a stem cell transplant.
Richard will even run with pants on his head, in homage to Hollie’s viral #pantsonyourhead campaign, which saw international rugby and football players posting selfies with their underwear on their heads in a bid to make Hollie smile and boost sign-ups to our register.
Richard, with #pantsonhishead. This picture is taken in front of Hollie's old school.
Richard, Head of HR & Compliance with Christian charity ‘Operation Mobilisation’, 40 years old, says,
“I’m quite a reserved person so for me to go out and put my pants on my head was not something I’d normally do!
Like everyone, I just thought it’s for Hollie, it’s not about the way we look. If running with my pants on my head makes people smile like Hollie did, and if it raises awareness for Anthony Nolan, then it’s all worth it.”
Hollie Clark became unwell in April last year, after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The family launched an awareness raising campaign urging people to post #pantsonyourhead selfies and join the Anthony Nolan register.
Hollie Clark and family
The idea took off, leading to a 2580% increase in Welsh donor registrations in the summer of 2014 and attracting huge celebrity support. At its peak, when Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive footballer posted his picture, the Help Hollie Facebook page had a total reach of 4.6 million.
Hollie found her match and her bone marrow donation took place in July 2014. Sadly, it wasn’t to be and Hollie died in her parents loving arms on 6th November 2014 due to complications.
Richard says, “It gives me a sense of pride to be a part of the campaign and to continue the family’s fantastic work. Every time I have a tough run I think of Hollie – she didn’t have a chance to say stop or I can’t do this, so why should I? I think she would have wanted to do it herself when she was older, she was just that type of person.”
Richard with his sons Josh and Daniel
Stephen and Laura Clark Hollie’s parents said, "We are pleased and touched that so many people, both friends but also strangers have been inspired by HelpHollie to continue to raise awareness and funds for Anthony Nolan. Hollie’s legacy is going from strength to strength to help save many lives in the future.”
Richard Steer is the latest in a long line of fundraisers who are continuing Hollie’s legacy. Team ‘Help Hollie’ also have runners in the Cardiff 10k, Paris and Manchester marathon and even an Iron Man challenge this year, all of whom will raise vital funds for Anthony Nolan so that the charity can save more lives.
We salute them for their inspirational fundraising efforts - visit their Facebook page to find out more.
To donate to Richard’s challenge go to his website: www.Run4AnthonyNolan.com