Be inspired

Sarah Thompson

Sarah took on the London Marathon in 2009 in memory of her husband Andrew.

“The children miss their devoted Daddy. If we could, through our fundraising for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, help to ensure that other children in the future don’t suffer a similar loss, then that will be a fitting tribute to Andrew. Really the best we can achieve is to save the life of someone’s else’s Daddy.”

Tom Day

Tom has taken on many events in memory of his dad, these include the London Marathon on several occasions but in 2009 he broke a world record for completing the race in a suit in a world record time.

“My dad, Robert, was diagnosed and then sadly died of leukaemia – Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is a charity very close to my heart. Getting the world record was just brilliant. People were stopping me on the train on the way home to ask about it and everyone was very jealous of the certificate! It's great to have it for something that truly was a massive challenge and to raise so much money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.”

Toby Whiffin

Toby lost his girlfriend Kate in 2004 and has been part of the Banana Army ever since. Toby is often seen running dressed as a banana!

“In 2004 my girlfriend, Kate Chapman, passed away having been treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for three years. She was 23. I had never undertaken any runs up to that point but I know that Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is a cause that Kate had a great deal of passion about, and I hope to carry that on in my fundraising.“

Melanie Smith

Melanie had leukaemia and since her recovery has taken part in the Bananaman Chase in Milton Keynes.

“I know I owe my life to the doctors and nurses at the hospital and to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Without their work and clinical trial research, I wouldn’t have survived. In 2007, I took part in my first Bananaman Chase. It was a really fun day and my way of helping to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research - the charity that helped fund the research that helped save my life. Everyone comes along for a good day out and you just try your best - we are all winners in the race.”

Nicola Smalley

Nicola took on the Olympic distance at the Tatton triathlon in 2009.

“I’m raising money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research because Dad was so affected by the disease that I wanted to help fund research into helping people like him. I also felt powerless when Dad was ill and this was the only way I felt like I was doing anything to help. I’ve done triathlons, but never an Olympic distance one before. The challenge was, I think, not time but just making it round the course, although anyone who knows me knows I’m competitive, so I had an eye on the clock too!”

Aimi Williams Smith

Aimi dressed up in a banana suit and did the Bananaman Chase 10k for her 5-year-old son who is recovering from leukaemia.

“I felt that I needed to do something positive and give something back to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research because without the work that they do, our precious son would not have such a good prognosis as he has today. We owe them everything. My friends have supported me so well through this very difficult year but at times I know they have felt helpless. By running with me they are able to do something positive to help me raise funds for a charity so close to our hearts.”

Daniel Voyce

Daniel took part in the Blenheim and London Triathlon for his friend Buzz who is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

“Buzz is a laid back, fun, fit, windsurfing pro and chemotherapy is tough on him - but he’s taking it all very well so far. I originally started doing triathlons for fun and fitness without sponsorship but when Andrew was diagnosed, I wanted to do something more pro-active. I’m committed to doing a variety of events to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research in order to support Buzz during his treatment.”

John Applebee

John has done so many things for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research including 3 marathons in 3 days and a double marathon along with many others.

"It’s over 20 years since I had my bone marrow transplant. I want to show people that life doesn’t have to stop when you’ve been diagnosed with blood cancer. Those battling against leukaemia can recover and be fitter and healthier than they ever were. Thanks to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research I am able to give something back. I love running for the Banana Army and knowing that I am helping others in their fight against blood cancers."

Thomas & Rosalind Niedt

Thomas & Rosalind have been bring teams of runners to the Great North Run over the years in memory of their son Dominic who lost his fight against leukaemia.

“Dominic was so brave throughout his fight against leukaemia, and taught us to live our lives to the full,” says Rosalind. “We’re spurred on to challenge ourselves in his memory and help save lives as well as heartache for families.”