This Sunday, I'm running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in memory of the most selfless and incredible friend Maisie Ryan and in support of the inspirational Adam Riley. 

Before Maisie was tragically killed in a road traffic accident on February 18th 2021, she spent her life caring for others and worked so hard to become the brilliant doctor she was, a job that she loved. Anthony Nolan was a charity close to Maisie’s heart, and one which she worked with throughout her medical training and beyond to save the lives of people with blood cancer.

Even at the young age of 18, Maisie's number 1 priority was helping others. Whilst we were all hungover in halls, she would be out campaigning for students to sign up to the Anthony Nolan register.  Maisie touched many peoples lives in ways she didn't even realise and it's a tragic loss felt by so many. More than £24,000 has been raised for Anthon Nolan so far in her honour and I'm proud to be continuing her charity work however I can.

So soon after the passing of Maisie, I wasn't expecting to come so close to the impact of her work with the Anthony Nolan Charity, when in May 2021 my partner's best friend Adam Riley was diagnosed with Leukemia. Another selfless and wonderfully kind human. The strength that Adam has shown throughout an extremely challenging 2021 is more than enough to power anyone around 13.1 miles. Thanks to the work of Anthony Nolan, this week Adam has undergone his stem cell transplant. And perhaps it was Maisie who signed up his donor - we will never know. 

So this is for Maisie, for Adam and for everything they represent. 

Catch me at the finish line - tired but uplifted, probably sobbing, but above all incredibly proud to know and have known two wonderful people and be supporting such a meaningful cause. 

Thank you for your support and donations, no matter how big or small 

Hannah x