Since my mum was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia (a rare form of bone marrow failure) last year I have witnessed the immense challenges that arise with this disease. The rarity and complexity of this disease means that we are navigating through unchartered and daunting territory and at times it has felt impossible to explain to others what mum/ we as a family are going through.

We hit a significant milestone on the 28th of March when mum received a stem cell transplant donated by a hero in Texas. Fuelled by admiration for my mum's resilience, our gratitude for the Aplastic Anaemia Trust (AAT) and St James Hospital medical staff and a determination to raise awareness...the "Texas Marrowthon" was born.
Joined by 9 others (my family, partners and friends) we're backing AAT's essential efforts and embarking on a year-long challenge covering the distance from Leeds to Texas.

What is Aplastic Anaemia?
Aplastic Anaemia is a rare type of bone marrow failure. It's where the bone marrow stops creating all kinds of blood cells. It's really rare and affects 1 in every half a million people.

Aplastic anaemia treatment can be 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. One option for treatment is to have a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

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 donating you'll be....

Funding Research:
This year The AAT will be investigating new treatment options, that could offer hope to more people, and improve quality of life for patients and their families.

Providing support:
-Provide a young child with a story book that explains what aplastic anaemia is and what they can expect from a long stay in hospital - making the long and difficult treatment less frightening.
-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. The AAT hotline ensures no one is alone.

Thank you for supporting us,

Barbara, Owen, Pippa, Tembe, Steve, Seb, Salim, Saar, Sarah and Lucy.

Date	Weekly Distance Covered	Total  Distance Covered
28th March - 17th April 2024	2072 km	2072km