Dear Family, Friends & Supporters,

Well… here goes nothing! The training plan is live and the nerves are kicking in. This year, we are taking on a challenge we never imagined we would: running the London Marathon.

It is fair to say that we are not runners. Walkers, yes. Cyclists, occasionally. Swimmers, on holiday..... But a marathon was always one of those ‘maybe one day’ ideas - the kind you never truly think (or hope!) will come true. Apart from Rachel’s Great North Runs years ago, running simply hasn't been part of our story.

January 2025 changed everything – and sparked a real motivation for both of us to tackle a big challenge head on, and right now.

Our wonderful son, Charlie, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) at 27 following a routine blood test. This news hit just seven months after his marriage to Danielle, and five months after moving to Hong Kong to start a new and exciting life together.

We flew out immediately and it was an overwhelming, emotional time that we were not prepared for. Hearing the word 'Cancer' attributed to your child definitely stops you in your tracks. Thankfully, Charlie is responding well to his treatment.

CML is a rare type of blood cancer caused by a permanent genetic change in the bone marrow, which in turn makes the body produce too many abnormal white blood cells. Luckily, CML today is very treatable, thanks to the invention of targeted therapy tablets (TKI's).

We are eternally grateful that Charlie’s condition was caught early, that targeted treatments now exist, and that continuous developments in CML research continue apace.

We are both in complete awe of our son. From the very beginning, he has faced this journey with strength, humour, and courage that humbles us every single day. We couldn’t be prouder of him, and also of Danielle - who has been extraordinary throughout – and who is also running the London Marathon!

We’re honoured to be fundraising for Leukaemia UK, whose mission is to bring the leukaemia community together to fund life-changing research, raise awareness, and advocate for better outcomes. Funds go directly to research that improves treatment and outcomes for the 34,000 people affected by blood cancer in the UK each year.

If you’re able to donate, thank you, truly.

If donating isn’t possible for you, your support and encouragement still mean so much. And if you can, please also consider joining the stem cell register. Every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer, and being on the register can make a life‑changing difference.

Thank you so, so much.

Rachel and Sean X