Gemma Morris
Gemma's Challenges
Fundraising for Anthony Nolan
Story
Over the last 6 years I've been raising funds for Anthony Nolan, so far with both on and offline donations just over 30k has been raised. My main challenge being the Marathon Des Sables. Unfortunately after being part of the ill fated 2021 edition I had to withdraw at stage 4. This has left me feeling a bit empty after all I put into this race so I will be returning in April 2023 to finish what I started. I truly have unfinished business in the Sahara.
Training for the Marathon Des Sables for April 2023 has been really tough this time round but my husband has supported me throughout and had to endure all of my whinging, moaning, leaving him for hours to go out on my runs when our time together is limited at times as it is, he’s even put himself through many training hikes to keep my spirits up, he wants me to succeed the most. It’s times like these that family really shows their support.
Knowing how it feels to not succeed first time round.
I am determined to complete this 250km race through the Sahara desert over 6 days self supported. I’ve learned from mistakes, and I’ve used this to become stronger both physically and mentally to take on such a challenge.
I have been fundraising for many years for Anthony Nolan and I’m aware asking for donations isn't always possible especially the way the world is right now. However if you are able to join the stem cell donor register this makes a true impact, this gives people more of a chance of finding a stem cell donor match, it isn’t always about money, it’s about our actions.
If you’re aged 16-30 you can find out how to join the donor register by visiting www.anthonynolan.org
If you are over 30 you can find out how to join the register by visiting www.dkms.org.uk
This takes minutes of your time and you could be that person to save a life.
Why am I doing this?....
I am putting myself through all of these miles of training and Marathon running (again) to Raise Money for the incredible Anthony Nolan in Memory of my Dad - Sid Challacombe. We lost him on 23rd August 2005 to Mantle Cell Lymphoma, he began the process of finding a match for a Stem Cell Transplant however before it got any further he lost his battle. The truth be told I have never ever got over loosing him. He was my absolute rock.
My reason to run and raise these funds is to give others a chance that my Dad never had. And this is why I personally feel connected to Anthony Nolan.
A Bit More About Anthony Nolan
Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. They do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells, to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. They also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. They won’t stop until they save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings them closer to that day.
Training for the Marathon Des Sables for April 2023 has been really tough this time round but my husband has supported me throughout and had to endure all of my whinging, moaning, leaving him for hours to go out on my runs when our time together is limited at times as it is, he’s even put himself through many training hikes to keep my spirits up, he wants me to succeed the most. It’s times like these that family really shows their support.
Knowing how it feels to not succeed first time round.
I am determined to complete this 250km race through the Sahara desert over 6 days self supported. I’ve learned from mistakes, and I’ve used this to become stronger both physically and mentally to take on such a challenge.
I have been fundraising for many years for Anthony Nolan and I’m aware asking for donations isn't always possible especially the way the world is right now. However if you are able to join the stem cell donor register this makes a true impact, this gives people more of a chance of finding a stem cell donor match, it isn’t always about money, it’s about our actions.
If you’re aged 16-30 you can find out how to join the donor register by visiting www.anthonynolan.org
If you are over 30 you can find out how to join the register by visiting www.dkms.org.uk
This takes minutes of your time and you could be that person to save a life.
Why am I doing this?....
I am putting myself through all of these miles of training and Marathon running (again) to Raise Money for the incredible Anthony Nolan in Memory of my Dad - Sid Challacombe. We lost him on 23rd August 2005 to Mantle Cell Lymphoma, he began the process of finding a match for a Stem Cell Transplant however before it got any further he lost his battle. The truth be told I have never ever got over loosing him. He was my absolute rock.
My reason to run and raise these funds is to give others a chance that my Dad never had. And this is why I personally feel connected to Anthony Nolan.
A Bit More About Anthony Nolan
Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. They do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells, to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. They also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. They won’t stop until they save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings them closer to that day.