Anthony Nolan – Our Stories

Saving the Lives of People with Blood Cancer

  • Home
  • Patient Services & Insight
  • Supporter Stories
  • Science & Policy
  • Donor Stories

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

‘It’s only as I’ve grown up I appreciate what Anthony Nolan has done for me. To sum it up, I just simply wouldn’t be here without you guys!’ – Chris’ Story

Hayley TomkinsonApril 9, 2019 by Hayley Tomkinson 1 Comment

Chris was just nine years old when he was diagnosed with leukaemia and was told he’d need a stem cell transplant to save his life.

Chris and friends on the mountain
Chris and friends on the mountain

‘Unfortunately, no-one in my family was a match, which is where Anthony Nolan got involved and found me a match.

‘Last year, 19 years after my transplant, I wrote my donor a letter just telling them how I was doing and to say thank you. It was incredible thing to receive a reply and that spurred me on to do something, to show my thanks to my donor.

Saying thank you

‘So, on 18 July 2018, myself and nine good friends (well, we weren’t sure we’d be friends at the end of it) took on the dreaded 3000’s Sunset Challenge which involves ascending and descending all four of England’s highest mountains that all sit above 3000 feet.

‘We aimed to complete all four before the sun officially sets that very day giving us approximately 16 hours! 😳

‘I enjoy walking and have done some fairly tough challenges in the past just to test myself. When I decided to spend a day walking up some of England’s highest peaks, I wasn’t sure if anyone would be up for doing it with me, but I’ve got an amazing group of friends.

Chris and his friends at the top of the mountain

‘I asked a few of them and I was astounded by the response. Nearly everyone said yes plus the response from people donating and doing other things to support our fundraising has been great.’


Chris and his mates were Walking Together to say thank you to the donor that saved his life, and raised over £2,000 for Anthony Nolan to help save many more. Find out more: anthonynolan.org/walking-together

Related

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Patient Services & Insight, Supporter Stories Tagged With: fundraising, stem cell donor, stem cell transplant

Hayley Tomkinson

Hayley Tomkinson

Hayley is Stories Manager at Anthony Nolan

Comments

  1. Dr. Rashi says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:26 am

    Hoping it all goes really smoothly for you Chris. Thanks for sharing your journey regarding bone marrow transplant
    You truly are an inspiration for others to follow.
    Looking forward to hearing more about your Journey.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

‘You’re constantly aware that you’re carrying something that could save a life.’ – Peter’s volunteer stem cell courier story

March 2, 2021 by Louise Jones

‘Looking after yourself’ – from a health psychologist’s perspective

February 24, 2021 by Clare McCrudden

‘It really is so easy, yet the difference you’ll be making is phenomenal.’ – Sean’s double stem cell donation

February 5, 2021 by Anya Muir Wood

What do NHS payment models mean for post-transplant care?

January 22, 2021 by Nusha Haghpanah

What factors should you consider when identifying a cell source provider?

December 17, 2020 by Katie Griffee

Post categories

  • Cell & Gene Therapy
  • Cord blood
  • Donor Stories
  • Patient Services & Insight
  • Science & Policy
  • Scientific Research
  • Supporter Stories
  • Uncategorized

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and get new posts via email

Links

  • Home
  • Patient Services & Insight
  • Supporter Stories
  • Science & Policy
  • Donor Stories

Follow Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy and Cookies

Anthony Nolan is a registered charity no 803716/SC038827 and a registered company no 2379280

© 2021 Anthony Nolan · anthonynolan.org