John Flintoff, my mum's partner of 25 years, was unexpectedly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a complex and dangerous type of Blood Cancer in September 2023 following a routine doctor's visit. He has since undergone rapid intensive chemotherapy and had a stem cell transplant operation in January to try and combat the disease. John is also taking part in a clinical trial to help increase understanding of the disease. He has been playing a solid innings and defending his wicket well despite the difficulties faced. Early signs from the operation are promising but it is still very early days. None of the treatment would have been possible without inspirational people at the heart of this, from the bedside nurses providing time, care, and attention to the clinical researchers able to explain their very complex work in a clear, understandable, and honest manner.

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I am running the Brighton Marathon to raise money for Blood Cancer UK who help to find trials and provide extra support to those going through such a difficult experience as John. I'd also like to raise awareness of just how important blood donations are to anyone with this illness and encourage all to donate.

Blood Cancer UK is a community dedicated to funding research trials into beating blood cancer. Every month and funded trial that goes by they get a bit closer to achieving this aim. They are not there yet.

Every donation made goes straight to Blood Cancer UK at the point of it being paid to help fund further research to ensure John, and others in the same situation, have the best chance of combating this disease through targeted treatment.

Alongside this, blood and platelet donations are crucial elements of patient care and treatment. Donating is easy to do, just visit the NHS blood donation site and sign up for an appointment.

Let's do this for those affected by this cruel illness to give them, and their loved ones, hope for the future.