One of my long-time ambitions has been to run a marathon before I turn 60 in November (eeek!). This is quite an ask since the only real run I had ever done until October 2024 was Run The World 40 years ago and that was only 10 kms!! But this isn't just ticking something off the bucket list, it's about making a difference to the lives of those with blood cancer.

My eldest brother (in the pic) is battling Myeloma, a challenging and complex blood cancer. Although my brother lives in Australia, organizations like Anthony Nolan share knowledge and research globally so that's why I've chosen to be part of TeamAN! Every 14 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer, and that is just in the UK!!

Research is vital in finding effective treatments for Myeloma and other blood cancers. In Australia, they're still figuring out how to help my brother, Guy. He's undergone chemotherapy, which hasn't yielded the desired results yet his condition hasn't worsened either. He had previously been deemed unsuitable for a stem cell transplant but now this is on the cards.

We are lucky enough that my middle brother is a 100% match for Guy. This is often not the case for many families and they have to rely on the kindness of total strangers. Without organisations like Anthony Nolan and their stem cell register, it would be incredibly difficult to match those needing a transplant with the very generous donors of stem cells. Donating stem cells is a very safe and straightforward process for the donor. You can find out more and join the register here.

I am hoping that together we can contribute towards funding the crucial research and support services provided by Anthony Nolan. Every donation counts and will go directly towards helping those affected by these relentless diseases.

Anthony Nolan is the pioneering charity that unites people and science to make lifesaving connections - matching stem cell donors to those in need of transplants and treatments and growing their world-leading stem cell register, so everyone can find the match they need.

Thank you for taking time to read my page. Anything you can give - a little or alot - will be greatly appreciated :)