We are running a half marathon in aid of Amanda and The Royal Marsden. They have given so much support to both her and us during this tough time. Below are some of Amanda's own words about this experience and how the Royal Marsden has helped.

"Back in July 2016, I found myself at my local hospital due to very low results of a blood test.
It was horrible, stuck in an isolated room on an adults ward having never experienced anything like this before. Luckily I was quickly moved to the teenage cancer unit at the Royal Marsden, where I had a selection of video games, puzzles, DVDs and books to keep me entertained. It was like a holiday.

After some tests, I diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia/ hypoplastic myelodysplasia where production of blood cells by the bone marrow is faulty. This means I was not producing enough blood cells and was producing deformed cells that die in the bloodstream early. The first couple of weeks were tough, having many blood and platelet transfusions to keep my levels up, but fortunately, I started responding to a drug I was given and my blood levels started to increase.

 I am currently being weaned off the medication that has kept me stable, with 6 weekly check-ups to ensure that my levels do not drop. Whilst lots of things have happened since I was diagnosed, the Marsden has been a constant support throughout.

In a time that could have been filled with sadness and uncertainty the staff at the Marsden helped, I made friends with other young people on the unit that could understand what I was going through and the nurses always covered my cannulas with bandages because they knew it freaked me out. My consultant always explains everything to me in a considerate and friendly manner, and he made it possible for me to be able to get on and live my life.

So Aislinn, Aidan and Andrew have made the amazing (ridiculous) decision to run their first half marathon in aid of the Royal Marsden, so please give what you can because it really is a fantastic hospital that has done so much for me."