On Sunday October 19th, I will be running the Amsterdam marathon with Martha to raise money for the organ donation awareness charity, 'Live Life Give Life: https://livelifegivelife.org.uk/

We chose this charity to honour the people who have given and continue to give life to some very important people in the lives of my family and our friends.

In 1993 my uncle and Mum’s brother Dennis had a pioneering kidney transplant which gave him many more years as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend before his sad passing last year.

Advancements in research and treatment meant that when my Mum Mary needed a kidney transplant in 2016, the operation only took a couple of hours, and she was able to return home in the same week. Her family and friends will be forever grateful for those extra 3 years we got to spend with her, before her unexpected death in 2019, due to complications from polycystic kidney disease.

Last year a liver transplant from a young donor, saved the life our dear friend Caryl. Everybody that visited Caryl in hospital will know how desperate her situation was. We all hope that the family of the donor can take some comfort and pride knowing that their son gave Caryl the greatest gift of all, life.

So, if you are looking for an alternative home for your beer and coffee money, any donations are greatly appreciated, and if you are interested in registering as an organ donor please visit: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate

Thanks for your support, Leon and Martha X