Hello! Thanks for stopping by this page.

In April 2008 I was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anaemia, a condition, that affects one in a million. It is caused by an auto-immune reaction that destroys parts of the bone marrow that produce red and white blood cells along with platelets. It is unknown what caused the condition, with 75% of cases having no apparent trigger.

I had just turned 8 years old when diagnosed and went from being an active, sporty child to one that spent most days of the week in hospital. For the first couple of months, I received regular platelet and red blood transfusions as my bone marrow could not support my body’s needs. Scarily, if I had not been diagnosed when I was, I would have died within two months due to such low levels of red blood cells. During the summer of 2008, I was given a treatment called Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) which failed to cure me and left me immunocompromised. I remained in the UK on holiday where I spent days in hospitals around the country receiving blood transfusions as my bone marrow by this point was barely active.

I attended only the 1st day of Year 4 at my primary school. After that, I was rushed to hospital due to contracting an infection which my body was unable to fight. I remained in hospital for two and a half weeks and at this point we were told that my only option now was a bone marrow transplant. I was incredibly lucky, a very good match was found for me quickly using the Anthony Nolan register and my entire family and I will always be forever grateful that my donor decided to join. 

So the day had finally come: November 5th 2008, while bonfires and fireworks were lit around the country, I received a new bone marrow on a high dependency unit at Birmingham Children's Hospital. I had already undergone chemotherapy to destroy what was left of my immune system leaving me very bald. In total, I was in hospital for just over six weeks for my transplant and was discharged slightly before Christmas. I had to return most days to the hospital for treatment but being able to celebrate Christmas at home was the best present (aside from my transplant) I could have asked for. I continued to remain at home for the next five months, rebuilding strength and energy, until my bone marrow and immune system were functioning fully. At that point I returned to school with the chance to restart my life and experience everything the world has to offer.

Since being cured, I have finished both primary and secondary school as well as my 1^st year at Newcastle University studying medicine; I have gone on holidays; met so many amazing people and made incredible memories. I have also had the honour of meeting my donor, Elliot, the man who saved my life, along with his beautiful family. Yet, I cannot help but think back on those who were not as fortunate as me, those who were unable to find a match or have had huge complications during or after their transplant. I know that while I survived, 20% of children who have bone marrow transplants do not. 

Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancers or disorders every day. By running the London Marathon for Anthony Nolan, I aim to not only raise money so that the register can be maintained but also promote the charity and get as many people registered, in an effort to make sure that anyone who needs a match can find one.

A blood disorder was not the end of my life don't let it be the end of someone else’s.

Thank you for reading, donating and supporting,

Vic x