In 2020, I chose to support Anthony Nolan with a series of events to raise, not only funds, but also awareness of the great work the charity has completed and continues to complete to save the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders. Something that impacts most of us in one way or another.

Due to the Pandemic, these events were delayed until 2021.

For someone with blood cancer, a stem cell transplant could be their last chance of survival. Your support could help us give that person, their family and their friends a second chance of life.

Anthony Nolan is the charity that makes lifesaving connections between people with
blood cancer and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells. Anthony Nolan are saving lives right now. Three lives a day, in fact!!

By growing the stem cell register, carrying out ground-breaking research and providing the best post-transplant care, Anthony Nolan are giving families a future.

But we can’t do it without you. Without you, there is no cure. As with most fundraising efforts, the choice to Support Anthony Nolan is due to the impact that the Charity has had on those close to us within the NatWest team.

In 2013, Mark Ritson (Pictures above with me after a training run) of Sheffield Based Inspec Solutions underwent two stem cell transplants through Anthony Nolan, without which he would not be here to tell the tale.

Marks story is one that touches the heart of anyone that has heard it. With time ticking down for Mark, there was not a suitable match worldwide. Until an amazing young (19 year old) lady from Germany put herself forward as a potential donor.

Mark and his wife’s first child was born only five days after he came out of 10 weeks in isolation after his first transplant. This transplant unfortunately failed and a second attempt was needed. One which his donor fortunately readily agreed to as there was no other option.

The second transplant was a success and Mark, now a father of two, is MD of a successful South Yorkshire based business, competes in various running events (including the Sheffield Half Marathon with Team South Yorkshire in March) and has taken a role on the board of trustees with Anthony Nolan to help others with these terrible diseases and to raise awareness of this fantastic charity. 

Throughout 2021 the team will be raising funds through various events, including the London Marathon, which Paul McCarron will run, the Manchester Marathon which will be run by Kevin Burrows, as well as various other events such as:

- Leeds Half Marathon

- Lands end to John O Groats Virtual Challenge

- Team Abseil to be completed by Paul and Liam Douglas.

All support for this amazing charity is greatly appreciated, if you are aged 16-30 please go on the Anthony Nolan register of potential lifesavers, and everyone can make a donation. It costs £50 to put one potential lifesaver on the register, so we need as much support as we can get.

Thank you from myself, on Behalf of Mark and Anthony Nolan and from all in NatWest team South Yorkshire!