As runners across the country find out if they’ve got a place in the Virgin Money London Marathon, Andrew Billington tells us about why he’s taking on the challenge for Anthony Nolan.
Andrew says, ‘I joined the Anthony Nolan register five years ago and, if I’m honest, I completely forgot about it. Anthony Nolan came back into my life in 2012. I was called up as a donor for someone who was very ill and desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. I was so excited about the chance to help someone – it’s such a unique thing to have the chance to do.
‘I went through all of the tests and my donation date was arranged for around Christmas 2012. Sadly, a week before the donation, I received a call to say that my recipient had passed away. It was very upsetting and I just hope that one day I’m called up again and have the chance to help someone else.
‘My experience taught me a lot about the charity and the incredible work that it does. I’ve ran a half marathon for Anthony Nolan before and then got into running properly. When I found out that the charity will be the official partner for London 2014, I wanted to take the next step and really do something amazing for a wonderful cause.
‘Twenty six miles seems like a long way but I know that I’m capable of it and am feeling really good about it. It’s going to be a huge event and the atmosphere is going to be amazing. What I’m looking forward to the most is running with the other Anthony Nolan runners and being part of the biggest team that they’ve ever had.’
For more information visit www.milebymile.org or call our events team on 0303 303 3000.