Runners Go The Distance for DKMS

On Sunday 28 April eight inspirational runners went the distance to support the fight against blood cancer by completing the London Marathon’s 26.2 mile course.

18/12/2020

On Sunday 28 April eight inspirational runners went the distance to support the fight against blood cancer by completing the London Marathon’s 26.2 mile course.

After months of training all our runners successfully crossed the finish line and helped to raise awareness of blood cancer and the need for more potential lifesavers along the way.

Collectively, they have raised more that £20,000 so far. This will help to cover the £40 registration cost for every new donor, as we rely on the generosity of supporters to raise money by taking on challenges like the London Marathon, organising fundraising events and making individual donations to the cause.

DKMS London Marathon infographic 2019

Meet the DKMS runners

All of our runners were somehow connected to blood cancer in some way, shape or form.

Hear more about what inspired them and why not make a donation, however big or small, by clicking on the runner’s name to take you to their fundraising page?

1. Bradley Bowman – Bradley took the first step to register as a potential lifesaver in 2016. Two years later he was identified as a match for a complete stranger and donated his blood stem cells to help save their life.

2. Daniel Muir – After we were able to help find his niece, Arabella, and good friend, Andy, a matching donor, Daniel wanted to give something back. Daniel is also a lifesaver-in-waiting after registering with us earlier this year.

DKMS fundraiser Dan Muir competes in London Marathon

3. Harriet Milligan – Harriet was running in memory of her sister, Alex, who, despite receiving a blood stem cell transplant, sadly lost her fight against blood cancer in 2017. Harriet registered as a potential blood stem cell donor in 2017 and is on standby to save a life.

DKMS fundraiser Harriet Milligan competes in London Marathon

4. Jane Pollard – Jane registered as a potential lifesaver in 2015. She wanted to raise awareness of us and the need for more donors after her friend’s son received a blood stem cell transplant. Read more about Ben’s story.

DKMS fundraiser Jane Pollard competes in London Marathon

5. Joseph Forde – Joseph wanted to make strides in raising awareness and showing how people can make a big difference to someone by registering as a potential blood stem cell donor.

DKMS fundraiser Joseph Forde competes in London Marathon

6. Karen Clark – Karen wanted to give something back after her mother-in-law received a stem cell donation in 2016. She was diagnosed with T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia, a very rare blood cancer and thankfully she is now in remission. Karen joined the registry in Feburary 2016.

Fundraiser Karen Clark competes in London Marathon for DKMS

7. Kieran Doyle – Kieran was running to support his cousin-in-law, Peter’s fight against blood cancer. Peter was diagnosed with myeloma in 2017 and has been told he has seven years to live if he doesn’t find a donor. Kieran registered as a potential blood stem cell donor last year as part of Peter’s 10k donor challenge. Read more about Peter’s story.

DKMS fundraiser Kieran Doyle competes in London Marathon

8. Russell Hicklin – Russell was running in memory of his mum, Janet, who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and lost her fight in 2018.

Thank you

Caroline Richardson, Head of Fundraising at DKMS said: “A huge thank you to all our wonderful runners for going the extra mile to help the fight against blood cancer. We really appreciate all their efforts and are delighted they were able to complete the London Marathon in support of our cause.”

How you can help

If this has inspired you to put your best foot forward check out our fundraising challenges and others way to get involved in the fight against blood cancer.

Anyone between the ages of 17-55 and in good general health can go on standby to potentially save a life. Check your eligibility and sign up as a potential blood stem cell donor.