(CLICK THE ABOVE CLAPPERBOARD TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF THE RUNNERS)

We held our 2nd 10k Marrow-thon “Daniel De-Gale” on Saturday May 1st at London’s Regents Park

Men and women gathered on a overcast with sunny spells morning to run alongside each other to raise funds for the ACLT. Our confirmed runners started to assemble at the Regents Park’s The Hub at 08.am, they registered their names, collected their bib numbers and their ACLT 10k Marrow-Thon ‘Heroes Wanted’ T-Shirts.

Some of our runners were nervous and quite jittery at the prospect of running 10k but they were able to calm any last minute doubts by taking part in a 20 minute warm up session with fitness trainer CJ Swaby. At 08.55am CJ led the way to the start line and at 09.00am the 2nd ‘Daniel De-Gale’ 10k Marrow-Thon commenced.

The excitement from all the runners and spectators could be felt all around the park. It was a great day for the charity and for everyone who took part. Spectators cheered as our runners completed each of the 3 laps which represented just over 2 miles totalling 6.2 miles.

Our 1st runner to hit the finishing line was Howard Bowen who finished in 47 minutes, 54 seconds, followed in joint 2nd place by Raph WK Raphael and Anthony Jemmott, both finished in 50 minutes, 43 seconds. In 4th place was Davis Kityo he finished in 51 minutes 20 seconds and was followed by Stanley Alozie who hit the finishing line in 51 minutes 55 seconds.

Our 1st lady across the finishing line was Lesley Sackey (boxer and competitor of the BBC programme ‘Last Women Standing) came in at 52 minutes, 32 seconds. In 2nd place for the ladies was Kheema Williams who crossed the finishing line at 53 minutes, 25 seconds. Our fitness trainer CJ Swaby who carried a rucksack with 20kgs of additional weight to push himself that bit further. He hit the finishing line in 1 hour 6 minutes.

A full list of our runners finishing times is printed below.

Ultimately, for those who stepped up to the plate and registered their place in this amazing run to raise awareness and funds the taking part was the overriding important factor and not the finishing times. The smiling faces of everyone as they crossed the finishing line was at times overwhelming.

One of our runners was 19 year old Dominique De-Gale, sister of our spearhead Daniel ran in her brother’s memory even though she is currently studying for her 2nd year exams at University. Also taking part was 38 year old Shelia Appiah whose daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2006 but sadly passed away aged just 7 years in January this year following a huge ACLT media campaign. Lots of cheers from the general public, family and friends really boosted the morals of our runners and helped them to step up a gear in getting to the finishing line.

In total there were 427 runners.

Once our runners completed the run they collected their bananas and returned to our designated area within The Hub where they were greeted by our Sports Therapy Massage team. Jason, Sophie and Cherelle, offered 1st class revitalising massages to ease tired, aching limbs & muscles. to anyone willing to make a donation to the charity. They all volunteered their massaging skills to support the charity and to represent their dear friend Daniel (our spearhead). They are part of the ACLT team and will always be in attendance at these types of ACLT events.

Prior to heading home our runners were presented with their official ACLT 10K Marrow-thon Certificate of Achievement.

The Daniel De-Gale 10k Marrow-Thon was a success and we are now anticipating the final figure of all funds raised by our runners. If you would like to make a donation for the incredible achievements of everyone and to help assist the charity please click here to make an online donation.

If you would like to make a cheque donation please make payable to ACLT and send to our address ACLT, Southbridge House, Southbridge Place, Croydon CR0 4HA. Thank You.

Finally, we would very much like you to consider joining us at our next ‘Daniel De-Gale’ 10k Marrow-Thon on behalf of the ACLT... so that we can ultimately benefit the families living with leukaemia and all blood related cancers through the work of the ACLT. Watch this space for the next date...

Our ultimate aim is to raise the required funds to set up an independent bone marrow register. This will allow the charity to undertake worldwide donor searches and test potential bone marrow donors in the ACLT testing and research laboratories.

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PICTORIAL VIDEO OF THE RUNNERS)

Please register your interest for our next 10k Marrow-Thon by e-mail to info@aclt.org

Applications will be taken on a 1st come 1st served basis. Thank You.