Back in August 2012, my beautiful sister was given the devastating news that none of us were expecting. Completely out of the blue, she was told to go to the hospital as her blood tests were abnormal. She was told she had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a type of life-threatening blood cancer.

 

She started chemotherapy within days of being diagnosed and the doctors told her that her only chance of survival would be a bone marrow transplant. They said a related match would be brilliant (usually a sibling) but if not, they would have to look on the bone marrow register. I was tested but unfortunately was not a match.

 

Her world was completely turned upside down, as were ours. Life as we knew it was not important, only the health of my precious, darling sister.

 

This is where Anthony Nolan came in! They found a donor, a bone marrow match for Vicki and on the 12th of December (12.12.12) my sister underwent a bone marrow transplant. She was in isolation for 6 weeks so I wasn't able to see her, but saw her for the first time on my birthday 12 January 2013. I felt completely and utterly useless that I couldn't give blood or donate my bone marrow (because of my own health problems) and I wasn't a match for my own sister. The only way I knew how to help the charity that gave my sister a second chance at life was to raise money...my way!

 

I shaved my hair when I was 17 and I did the Bristol half in 2012 so naturally the next step is the greatest Marathon on the planet!! The London!!

 

My sister was sadly given the terribly sad news that the cancer was back and was terminal in October 2013.

 

She sadly passed away, with us, her family all around her on 30th January 2014. 17 months after initial diagnosis, and 17 weeks after being told it was terminal. She was 31.

 

We are now taking every day as it comes and her courage, strength and ability to overcome challenges has completely and utterly humbled me. I am so very proud of her and will always look up to her, even though she is not with us in body. Her spirit will shine through forever, just like a diamond. Shine bright Vicki and rest in peace. Heaven has gained another angel xx

 

So as you can imagine, I want to do everything in my power to raise awareness and as much money as possible for this amazing charity. They gave me an extra precious year with my best friend and rock. I want to help cure blood cancer mile by mile so other families can keep their loved ones for a bit longer too.

 

Please give what you can. Thank you is never enough but truly, deeply I am so very thankful.

 

Ruth x

 

 

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