Dave and I are running the Great North Run in 2022 to raise money for this charity which carries out outstanding work. In 2013 I started to rely on regular blood and platelet transfusions, needed many medical investigations and had a variety of procedures because my bone marrow was failing to work properly. Eventually, in 2016 I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia, my bone marrow unable to produce the essential quantity of cells needed for my body to work successfully. I received a treatment called ATG (Anti-Thymocyte Globulin) at The Freeman Hospital. Each treatment took over 12 hours for 4 consecutive nights and was supported with further transfusions, copious amounts of steroids and other drugs. My bone marrow started to slowly work again and I had my last blood transfusion in June of that year.

Unfortunately, the supplementary drugs that were needed to help the treatment had a detrimental effect on my bones and parts of my femur began to die off. Two further surgeries were required to try and help the bones to re-grow. Despite the best efforts of my surgeon, these surgeries were unsuccessful and in 2018 I had both of my hips replaced.

Today, my bone marrow is just about producing the right number of cells, I am transfusion free and only need my bloods checked every 3 months. Apart from still dealing with fatigue, I am living a normal life that I am beyond grateful for every day. Without the work of small charities such as The Aplastic Anaemia Trust, the incredible NHS (particularly the amazing Dr Williams and my fabulous nurse, Emily Stewart), this bespoke research into rare diseases would not be possible.

Thank you for reading this far, and for any donations you are able to make. It means so much to us both.

Sue and Dave

Sue Nellist