FEATURE
Marathon Fundraising George Buchan (S 12) runs for the Anthony Nolan Trust
George and William Buchan (S 12 and S 17)
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THE OLD OUNDELIAN 2020-2021
George Buchan (S 12) ran the virtual Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Foundation. The foundation had matched William Buchan (S 17) with a stem cell donor in March 2020, saving his life. Because of Covid restrictions George ran the marathon around home in Aberdeenshire rather than Edinburgh. He was supported by – amongst others – Henry Spencer (StA 12), Edward Cubitt (G 12), Olivia Buchan (W 17), Rosie Gibson (K 12) and Angus Marshall (S 12). George finished in 3hr 38m George writes: Why on earth is the guy who skived cross country every year he was at school running a marathon? I’m not a natural runner, and the idea of the Gale Mile used to make me come out in hives! In December 2019, my brother William Buchan (S 17) was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. In a nutshell this meant that his bone marrow had stopped making blood, he had one-third of the amount of blood in his body that he was supposed to have, and needed a stem cell transplant. Unfortunately his twin, Olivia’s, stem cells weren’t a match, so we were put in contact with the Anthony Nolan Charity. Luckily, through their register, a matching donor was found which, it is no exaggeration to say, saved his life. Before our own experience with blood disorders, like most people reading this, we were completely unaware of the world of stem cells and transplants. The facts, however, are stark – every 14 minutes someone in the UK is told they have blood cancer or a blood related disorder. This can happen to anyone. William had no prior health problems and we have no family medical history of blood disorders. Over 2,000 people in
the UK need a stem cell transplant every year. Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancer or blood disorders. They do this by matching those incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need a life-saving transplant. In 2019 Anthony Nolan gave 1,300 people a second chance of life. They also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. Their ambition is to save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. There is an easy way to support which will cost nothing – join the donor list. All you have to do is fill in a form: www.anthonynolan.org/8-waysyou-could-save-life/donate-yourstem-cells In particular, they want people aged 16-30 – apparently the stem cells are better from younger people. If you’re over 31, you’re not off the hook, though, so please also join the DKMS register. You only need to join one of the registers as they all work with each other and once you are signed up you’re there until you’re 61. The past year has obviously been hard for everyone, especially charities who have really struggled to maintain their fundraising. I ran to give something back to the charity which has helped my family so much.