Life-saving donation prompts East Preston man to run London Marathon for cancer charity Anthony Nolan

By The Newsroom
Published 8th Apr 2019, 17:08 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2019, 17:12 BST
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An East Preston man who gave a life-saving donation of blood stem cells is running the London Marathon for cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

Luke McCarthy, 31, joined the Anthony Nolan register via the blood donor register back in 2015 and last year, he was found to be a match for a blood cancer patient.

The experience showed him just how much money it takes to make one single donation and opened his eyes to the work of the pioneering charity.

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Luke said: “Out of a number of other matches for the recipient, I was the match that would give her the best chance of a successful donation.

Luke McCarthy with Jo May and Kelly Greenhill, who helped by doing the scoringLuke McCarthy with Jo May and Kelly Greenhill, who helped by doing the scoring
Luke McCarthy with Jo May and Kelly Greenhill, who helped by doing the scoring

“I gave a successful donation on July 10 last year. It’s been since this experience that I have witnessed first hand the dedication, expertise, passion and willingness of everyone involved in the Anthony Nolan family.

“I know there are many good causes to raise money and awareness for but as I have a personal connection to Anthony Nolan and cancer in general, I felt it fitting to try to do my bit to help out.”

Luke has set a target of £2,500 and held a fundraising event at East Preston Football Club on Friday, supported by family and friends, to help boost the money raised on his JustGiving page.

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