Race to the Stones

On the weekend of the 10th and 11th July 2021, we are forming a fab four to take part in The Race to the Stones, raising funds for Cure Leukaemia. The Race to the Stones is a 100km trail walk along one of the oldest trails in Britain - The Ridgeway, which crosses North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns.

Who are Cure Leukaemia?

Cure Leukaemia was founded in 2002 by Professor Charlie Craddock CBE and two patients, Michael Woolley and Graham Silk, to allow patients with blood cancer access to the remarkably effective and potentially life-saving new treatments which were becoming available.

Around 12,000 people a year die from blood cancers in Britain, equivalent numbers to those who die from breast cancer. The prospect of survival for many adults with blood cancers is still less than 50%.

There is an urgent need for Leukaemia patients to access new, potentially lifesaving drugs so that they can share in the remarkable progress that is being made in so many other cancers.

Patients are potentially missing out on lifesaving treatment as there simply is not enough specialist nurses to deliver enough clinical trials. It is deeply frustrating that patients are being turned away and miss out on these important and potentially curative drugs.

Why are we doing this?

I have a personal affinity to Cure Leukaemia in that I am now a Blood Cancer Survivor. In September 2019, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, only four weeks after getting married to my beautiful wife. We were advised early in the diagnosis that a Stem Cell Transplant would be the best option for complete cure. Whilst the donor registries were busy working hard to find a required match, I followed a chemotherapy treatment protocol which put me in remission in December 2019, and kept me there, right the way through to my transplant date of June 2nd, 2020.

As part of my recovery, walking has been a massive help for me, both physically and mentally, not only in fighting the effects of cancer but also dealing with the additional restrictions and complications of COVID-19. Whilst I count myself fortunate in that I am now in complete remission, there are many others who are not so fortunate in their fight against this debilitating disease.

This walk also marks an important personal milestone for me in that it will take place just over one year post my stem cell transplant. Whilst I am under no illusions that the challenge will be far from easy, I wanted to do something that is significantly rewarding, both physically and mentally, to help mark the anniversary. More importantly I want to inspire other cancer survivors and help show that anything is possible. (JP)

The Team

Tom Johnson (Teej), Jonpaul McGrane (JP), Damian Shaw (Damo) and Ross Woollacott (Rossco)

I have never completed anything like this before and before 2021, was a complete fitness novice. However, I see this as a great privilege and opportunity to walk alongside Jonpaul on this challenge to help raise both awareness and vital funds towards this great charity. On a personal note, whilst Lockdown has been difficult for many of us, I have really started to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of walking since the start of 2021. This challenge will continue to provide me with the motivation to improve and maintain my fitness moving forward. (Damo)

Since JP's original diagnosis in September 2019, we have frequently discussed ways to help raise vital funds for charity. When it was suggested we take part in The Race to the Stones, I was 100% in, even before knowing the full details of the challenge. Whilst being fortunate to spend most of my summer weekends playing cricket for my beloved Corley CC with these gentlemen, I also had the pleasure of standing next to JP, as his best man, on his wedding day. It therefore seems only fitting to be by his side again as we take on this immense challenge. (Rossco)

Prior to JP’s diagnosis I had only known him for about a year. During this time, we would go running, enjoy a pint and often play cricket together. It certainly was a shock to the system when we found out the news! For me JP has been nothing shy of inspirational during his treatment and his mindset and mentality to overcome Leukaemia has been second to none! When Jonpaul said he was taking part in a 100km trail walk, I instantly thought what better way to support both him and Cure Leukaemia than to join the team? (Teej)