In November 2015 my nephew, Laurence, was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. As part of his treatment he had a stem cell transplant and received the transplant from his sister. Many people in Laurence's position do not have a sibling who is a match and rely on Anthony Nolan to find them a donor. 

In April 2017 Laurence very sadly passed away and it was his wish that we raise money and awareness of Anthony Nolan. I am taking part in the London Triathlon in memory of Laurence and hope to raise money for Anthony Nolan to help them save the lives of other patients affected by cancer and blood disorders. 

Laurence went through 18 months of relative highs and dreadful lows whilst undergoing treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. When he found out his illness was terminal he didn't sit back and let it defeat him. He made the most of every day he had and filled his time with seeing friends and family.  

Throughout his illness I was inspired by his mental strength and in particular during the last few weeks of his life when he knew there was nothing more that could be done to save him from his particularly aggressive cancer. He never spoke of his suffering and always took an interest in those around him, friends and family, and encouraged us to do the things we wanted to do in life.

The triathlon I am doing is double the distance of those I have done in the last four years; the olympic distance. The training can be hard and painful but I know that whatever pain I go through is insignificant compared to the physical and mental pain Laurence had to endure. It is with him in mind that I am doing it and I want to carry his mental strength with me in my training.

Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. They do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells, to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. They also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. They won’t stop until they save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings them closer to that day.