When I entered the ballot for the 2026 London Marathon, I was feeling pretty good - I’d not long run my first official half-marathon (and in a time of 1:36:50 - let’s not forget the 50!), I was active, and had even begun some weight training. Running was going well.

Yet fast-forward a couple of months to scrolling through my emails the other day, and the Marathon couldn’t have been further from my mind.

I had other things to focus on... I was coming into my fifth week of my hospital admittance - across two hospitals. I was still processing the diagnosis of bone marrow failure and a rare blood disorder. I was somewhat dazed by the speed and breadth of the planned treatment. And I was perturbed by the constant temperature spikes and rounds of being hooked up for more transfusions and antibiotics.

So, when I first saw the email my brain never really connected with the possibility I’d been successful in the ballot. Why would I have been? People go decades without being successful, and let’s face it - I’d hardly had a run of good luck lately.

But in that moment - those two words, those two short words: ‘you’re in’ changed everything. I let out some sort of loud yelp. Of disbelief mostly but also of relief.

Relief that I finally had something long-term to focus on - to channel all of the emotions that will no doubt come with the treatment, the transplant process, the chemo, the transfusion, and the recovery.

Something that I can work towards and hopefully achieve.

What’s more, I can do so in a way that can help others like me, facing the very serious reality of bone marrow failure and wider blood disorders.

By raising money for Anthony Nolan, I can do my own little bit - with your help! - to ensure they can continue, and build upon, their vital work to support patients, raise awareness of blood disorders and cancers, shape policy, and most importantly continue to grow the register of stem cell donors.

I WILL cross that finishing line - and together we can ensure that each and every person diagnosed with a blood condition gets the support and help that they need to live healthy lives.

…And maybe even run a marathon, too.

There’s no time like the present to kick start the fundraising, so whilst you get donating I’ll start building up the calves on my electronic pedals in the corner of the hospital room.

#TeamAN #LondonMarrowthon