Last year, my sister's nightmare began. 

Last year, my sister found herself feeling weak, frail and energyless. Having just got over a nasty spell of shingles she believed it was just a knock on from this. However, time went by and she found living life difficult. After going to the doctors and having tests, Natalie was told she would have an ambulance collecting her immediately. 

What the results showed were extremely low, life-threatening blood counts. Much longer without the blood transfusions she desperately needed, Natalie may have not survived. 

After transfusions, hospital appointments, tests and hard times, Natalie was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder which destroys the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells that the body needs to function. 

Natalie needed a match for a bone marrow transplant. Luckily for me, I was the only match. I needed 4 daily injections, a week before the procedure, to stimulate the growth of stem cells that Natalie needed. Over a two day period, my stem cells were harvested and immediately transplanted into Natalie who had just had her chemotherapy in preparation for the procedure. 

It has now been 4 months since the procedure and Natalie is doing well. Whilst there is certainly a long way to go, there is definite improvement. Life is still hard but she constantly inspires me with her positive outlook despite all the things she is going through. 

Anthony Nolan have been amazing and provide alot of transplant resources whilst also finding matches for other people who need them. The work they continue to do needs supporting and this is why I've decided to run the London Marathon for such a  wonderful cause so close to my heart at present. 

If you can spare Anything at all, no matter how big or small, please donate and help save lives...