I was diagnosed in October 2009 aged 16 having just completed my GCSEs with Aplastic Anaemia, a rare bone marrow condition. I had to drop out of school for 2 years during which time I had a Bone Marrow Transplant on 13 October 2010 at the Bristol Children's Hospital. It took me until September 2011 to be strong and well enough to return to school.

Throughout my care I was supported by CLIC Sargent nurses in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. During my treatment period in Bristol, my family and I were able to live in Sam's House a purpose built house for children and young adults (plus families) run by CLIC.

During my illness period I was worried about my future and my career prospects. However, with the support I received I successfully took my A levels in 1 year before being accepted by Nottingham University to study to become a Vet. In June 2013, I successfully completed my first year. 

Earlier this year I started to consider what I could do to thank CLIC Sargent and also to highlight the work of the Antony Nolan Trust (who do so much work in finding Bone Marrow Transplant donors - to join as a donor please go to www.antonynolan.org). 

I wanted to do something to celebrate 1,000 days post transplant and decided on the Nottingham Robin Hood Marathon to be my target. I applied and have race number BLUE 10812. The numbers almost coincide with it being 1082 days since my transplant.

I hope my fund run inspires you to support CLIC Sargent and the Antony Nolan Trust. They do amazing work and I want my efforts to allow other families to have the support I have had.

Importantly I want to show others that there is hope on the other side of it all so that other families going through the same challenges that I faced, may be supported too.

I have done almost 400 miles in training and have worn out my first pair of running shoes and am learning to run in a new pair of shoes.

I have run over 20 miles 2 times in the last 8 weeks in the rolling East Devon countryside so I hope on Sunday 29 September to go the distance with a good time.

My original target was £1,082 for fund raising to represent £1 per day since transplant but because of the support I am now trying for a minimum of £2,620 - being the marathon distance in metric miles x100. Beyond that - fantastic!

I hope this inspires you to give whatever you can so CLIC Sargent can continue their good works.

To anyone who faces similar treatments - Keep Living!