I will be raising money for Leukaemia Care in memory of my Grandad, Tony Harding.

My Grandad was the one of the best people I knew, with his big, cheesy grin always lighting up a room. He always had a silly remark to make which would always make us smile.

In April 2017, Grandad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), a rare and aggressive form of Leukaemia. He fought a hard and lengthy battle, undergoing intense chemotherapy, which took a huge toll on his overall health, and wellbeing. Luckily however, it led him to go into remission that same year. At the age of 73, he had defeated the odds that were against him and went on to slowly regain his energy and strength, and begin to live his life once more. He was able to enjoy further holidays with my nan, Christmas's and birthdays. But most of all, he was able to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with my nan in July 2019.

In February 2022, our family was devastated once more, when he was diagnosed with stage 4, Mantle Cell Lymphoma. His treatment involved taking a daily tablet for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, he was no longer well enough to continue with this treatment. He then spent a month completing a trial at Christies in Manchester, which was unsuccessful. He remained very poorly in hospital for the weeks leading up to his birthday in September 2023. His hope was to make it home in time for this, and not spend his birthday in a hospital room. He fought, and held on as best as he could, and finally came home on his birthday. He got into his own bed, had a homemade brew, and had a cuddle with his cat, Susie.

Grandad passed away peacefully in his own bed on his 79th birthday.

He used to often say "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it". And I look forward to raising money in memory of him, by crossing Tower Bridge in London, with a big, cheesy Grandad grin on my face.

Anthony "Tony" Harding

25th September 1944 - 25th September 2023

I have joined #TEAMLC to run the London Marathon 2025. Please help me to support everyone affected by a blood cancer diagnosis in the UK.Leukaemia Care is a national charity dedicated to ensuring that anyone affected by blood cancer receives the right information, advice and support. Around 34,000 people are affected by blood cancer each year in the UK and we're here to support them through their diagnosis, treatment and beyond.