Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page to read my story and for your continued support!

Mark was a dear friend of 20+ years and godfather to my son, Adam. He sadly lost his battle at the age of 52, with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome), a type of blood cancer, in November 2018 after his second battle with the disease. Mark always thought of others before himself and raised a huge amount for Anthony Nolan, the charity that was to help him, before he passed away.

When I found out about Mark's second blood cancer diagnosis, I really wanted to help in some way but I was too old to join the stem cell register, so although I was a non runner at the time, I applied to run the London Marathon in 2019 for Anthony Nolan to help raise vital funds. Surprisingly, I was given a place and that is where my journey started with the charity and I’ve never looked back.

During a final conversation with Mark, I promised to try and carry on the fund raising he had started when he became ill, and I've been fund raising and running for Anthony Nolan ever since. I’ve completed 5 London Marathons, the Great North Run, the Manchester Marathon and the Berlin Marathon.

I am lucky enough to be running the London Marathon again in 2025 which will be London number 6. I’ve decided not to stop there though!

Inspired by some of my other AN running friends, I’ve decided to attempt the 12in12 challenge by completing 12 marathons in 12 months, starting with London in April. Sadly I won’t be able to travel off island for most races so I’ll be completing these virtually on home turf.

I am hoping that we can raise even more for Anthony Nolan to help save more lives in memory of Mark and keep his spirit of helping others alive.

We miss Mark every single day and he will always be in our hearts. He would be so happy to know that we are continuing to save lives and help Anthony Nolan who were there for him when he needed them.

This is for you Mark! 💚

Anthony Nolan’s world-leading stem cell register, groundbreaking cell and gene therapy research and expertise in stem cell transplants means they currently help four patients a day in need of a transplant, giving more people another chance to live. But we know we can, and must, do more. Driven by patients, backed by stem cell donors, powered by science, and with your support, we won’t stop until we’ve uncovered the lifesaving potential of the cells inside us all, and every patient can survive and thrive. 💚