I'm running the IKEA Marathon

In December, I'll be taking on one of the most unusual marathons in the world – the IKEA Marathon.

This isn't a marathon through city streets or the countryside. It's run entirely inside an IKEA store, weaving through the showrooms, market hall and warehouse before repeating the route until all 26.2 miles are complete. It's a truly one-of-a-kind event, and with only 100 runners taking part, I feel incredibly fortunate to have secured a place.

I'm not taking on this challenge just for the experience. I'm running because my daughter has aplastic anaemia, a rare and life-changing bone marrow failure condition. As a family, we've experienced first-hand the challenges this disease brings, which is why I'm raising money for the Aplastic Anaemia Trust.

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust provides vital support, information and hope to patients and their families, helping people through some of the toughest times imaginable.

Running a marathon is a huge physical and mental challenge, but it is nothing compared to the courage and resilience shown every day by people living with aplastic anaemia.

Every lap through IKEA, every mile and every step will be for everyone affected by this rare condition.

If you're able to support me, no matter how much, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every donation will help the Aplastic Anaemia Trust continue its amazing work supporting families, raising awareness and making a real difference to the lives of those affected by aplastic anaemia"

What is aplastic anaemia?
Aplastic anaemia is a rare and life threatening condition caused by the bone marrow not functioning properly.

In people with aplastic anaemia, the bone marrow fails to produce enough of all three types of blood cells – red, white and platelets.
Aplastic anaemia treatment is very similar to the treatment someone might have for leukaemia - but because it's so rare, families often don't have access to the same information and support.

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by aplastic anaemia and funding research into this rare form of bone marrow failure.

By donation you'll be.... 

Providing support
The Aplastic Anaemia Trust make sure that no one affected by aplastic anaemia feels alone. They provide informed and caring support, they provide community. They make sure there is always some one on the end of the phone. Having someone to talk to who understands, who you don't have to explain your condition to again and again.

Funding some really exciting research

Research can improve the way AA is treated, not just for future patients “some day” far off – but right now. In recent years, research has told us how people with AA respond to the Covid vaccine, and demonstrated the benefits of eltrombopag alongside standard immunosuppressants, and now they're trialling brand new treatments!

Your donations matter The Aplastic Anaemia Trust recently funded an exciting collaborative study investigating genetic mutations in patients with aplastic anaemia or PNH. The team have made some fascinating discoveries,  and will soon be sharing the finding and what they might mean for how we understand this condition.

The cost of funding this research was £50,641.63. Every penny of this was raised by people like you donating.

If The AAT don’t fund and enable research into aplastic anaemia – no-one will.

That’s why I'm asking you to donate for the future of AA research and support.

Thank you for your support.

Martin Martin Pyke