My Story

I'm running the 2024 London Marathon in support of an amazing charity, Anthony Nolan. Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder by matching individuals who have donated stem cells with individuals desperately need a lifesaving transplant. 

This charity means a lot to me after meeting 5 year old Olivia last year (pictured above), whose life was saved by my incredibly selfless boyfriend's bone marrow donation.

Jimmy had joined the Anthony Nolan register at University when a friend was in need of a stem cell match. Unfortunately no match was found and his friend tragically passed away. Jimmy remained on the register, and a few years later was contacted after coming up as a match for 5 year old Olivia living in America. 

After the transplant was a success, we flew to America to meet Olivia and her family thanks to Be The Match charity. Speaking to Olivia's parents really put into perspective how important the bone marrow donation was, and what felt like a no-brainer to Jimmy, meant absolutely everything to them. Having had years of treatment, the transplant really was their last hope of keeping their daughter alive.    

You can hear first hand the impact of the transplant from Olivia's parents here, listen to Jimmy's side of the transplant process here, and watch the moment they met for the first time here!

Olivia is now living a healthy, happy life, but things could have been so different if it wasn't for Anthony Nolan and the opportunities they provide for life-saving transplants. Running the London Marathon will be the biggest physical & mental challenge I've ever taken on, but I'm doing it so more lives like Olivia's can be saved.

Any donations no matter how small would be hugely appreciated, and if you aren't already on the Anthony Nolan register, please sign-up here and potentially save a life.