Running the London Marathon as Link – for the Hero Who Saved My Daughter’s Life

In 2015, when our daughter Zara was just six years old, our world turned upside down — she was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Nearly two years into her treatment, just when we thought we were nearing the finish line, she relapsed. This time, it had spread to her central nervous system.

We were devastated. Our only hope was a bone marrow transplant.

That’s when Anthony Nolan stepped in. They searched their register and found a match — a selfless donor from Poland who sent lifesaving stem cells across Europe to give Zara the second chance she so desperately needed. Because of their incredible work, our daughter is now nearly 17 and studying for her A Levels.

Now, it’s my turn to give something back.

In April 2025, I’ll be running the London Marathon dressed as Link from The Legend of Zelda — a game that brought us comfort during our long hospital stays. When Breath of the Wild launched in 2017, Zara and I queued at midnight to buy it. It gave us an escape from the beeping machines and sleepless nights on the ward. She even gave her anonymous donor a nickname: “Zelda.”

That anonymous donor never wanted praise or recognition — just to help a child she’d never met. I’m running to honour her, to thank Anthony Nolan, and to raise funds so that more families like mine get the hope we were given.

Anthony Nolan gives four people every day a second chance at life, but they can only do that with your support. Your donation helps grow the stem cell register, fund pioneering research, and provide expert care for patients and their families.

Please donate what you can. Big or small — every pound makes a difference. Together, we can help more people find their match… and their miracle.

Thank you for reading, for donating, and for being part of this journey.

Jonny (aka Link!)