Story
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<p><span style="color: #993366;">In October of 2010 my dad became very ill.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">The diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, ('ALL') - blood cancer to you or me. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">Months of chemotherapy and radiation followed</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;"> I wanted to run - run away as fast as I could from the situation.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">In March 2011 my dad received a vital stem cell transplant from his brother. He is now 100+ days after the transplant, and still fighting strong. We take every day as it comes.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">So you see it's only after this long, exhausting, emotional marathon that one decides to run a rather long, exhausting, physical marathon... As you do. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">In fact I had decided to turn my running away from the situation into something good - running into the light and not into the dark. Running for a good cause. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">on the 22nd of April 2012 I plan to cross the finish line of the Virgin London marathon. I will be wearing the bright orange vest in honour of Leukaemia CARE. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">'Official figures suggesting that around 26,000 people are diagnosed each year with leukaemia, lymphoma or an allied blood disorder. Leukaemia CARE has therefore developed and expanded an impressive range of services to help address the needs of our patients and their families to provide practical care and support in every way they can.' </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">They are small charity that does so much, and I want to raise the money needed to this charity can stay around for a very long time.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">Donating through <span class="squiggly">JustGiving</span> is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with <span class="squiggly">JustGiving</span> – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">So please dig deep and donate now. Every penny will go towards a really good cause.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;">Love <span class="squiggly">Rowen</span> xxx</span></p>