I have chosen to run the Leeds Half Marathon in aid of the Aplastic Anemia Trust because my girlfriend’s grandad, Derek Fraser, has been diagnosed with the condition.

Aplastic anemia is a rare but life-threatening disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. Without red cells to carry oxygen, white cells to fight infection, or platelets to prevent bleeding, even everyday tasks become exhausting and dangerous.

Watching how drastically it has affected his life — physically, emotionally, and mentally — has shown me just how serious and overlooked this condition is. For people like Derek and their families, it changes everything. That’s why raising awareness and support matters.

Patients often face severe fatigue, frequent infections, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Because their immune systems are compromised, they must often isolate and avoid exposure to illness, adding emotional strain to the physical toll.

Affecting just 2 to 6 people per million each year, aplastic anemia can strike at any age. While some cases have identifiable causes, many remain a mystery. What’s clear is that more awareness and funding are urgently needed — to advance research, improve treatments, and give hope to those fighting this rare and devastating illness.