Some of you may know me but a lot of you will not, my name is Jack Pitchford and this June I am walking over 200 miles from the source of the River Severn to where it meets the sea in name of the Anthony Nolan Charity. Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders, by making lifesaving connections between patients and incredible strangers, ready to donate their stem cells. This is a cause that means a great deal to me as in 2017 my Dad became critically ill with a condition called myelofibrosis, a rare variant of life-threatening blood cancer. Through the excellent work of the Anthony Nolan charity a stem cell donor was found, and my Dad was granted another chance of life through a bone marrow transplant. The tireless work of the charity saved my Dad’s life, without the selfless work of the volunteers at Anthony Nolan and the people on the stem cell register my families’ and thousands of other lives would be enormously different.

This summer three friends and I will be walking an average of 15 miles each day while camping across England and Wales from our beginning, the source of the River Severn in Plynlimon, Wales, to Bristol, England, 218 miles and approximately three weeks later. Crossing through 5 counties - Powys, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and finally Avon the River Severn stands as the longest river in the UK meaning the challenge will be no easy feat. Throughout my journey the thought of raising money for the Anthony Nolan charity to save more lives just like my Dad’s will keep me going every step of the way.

In 2017 my Dad fell ill with what started off as a cough and fatigue which a blood test confirmed what is known as myelofibrosis, an aggressive blood cancer which, had we not found a match, would’ve given him one year left of life. This was a formative part of my life, being 13 years old I had little comprehension of the extent of his illness, but I was preparing for life without a Dad. Anthony Nolan matched a stem cell donor for my Dad which allowed him to successfully complete his transplant, allowing him to live a now fit and healthy life, forever grateful for his anonymous donor. I owe Anthony Nolan everything - this walk goes little way in repaying my gratitude, but I hope with the help of your selfless donations we can help save more Dad’s, Mum’s, Grandparents and children.

All funds raised will go directly to the Anthony Nolan Charity, a world-leading stem cell register helping an average of four patients a day in need of a transplant, giving people another chance to live. For 50 years Anthony Nolan has linked donors to patients saving over 22,000 people, your donation will make a genuine difference to the real lives of people affected by blood cancer.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supports me on this journey in any way which you can. Your generosity means the world and will be used to save real lives of people just like my Dad, your kindness and support will make this walk even more meaningful. Every step I take will be for those who need a second chance at life.

Thank you for helping me make a real difference. Together we can save lives.

Jack Pitchford x