Alastair Rigden, a father of two, is preparing to run the London Marathon as a way to give back after his life was saved through a stem cell transplant, which was made possible by a donor. Diagnosed with blastoid mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer, Alastair's journey began in 2017 when he noticed a painless lump in his groin, leading him to seek medical attention despite his prior good health. This shocking diagnosis has prompted him to use his experience to inspire and help others in similar situations.

Undergoing extensive treatments including chemotherapy, Alastair’s resilience and determination shone through as he approached his recovery. His recent focus is on advocating for the charity Anthony Nolan, which played a crucial role in his transplant journey. By running the marathon, he hopes to not only raise funds but also to increase awareness of the importance of donor matches and the impact they can have on patients fighting blood cancers.

Alastair’s story highlights not only the complexities of living with an incurable illness but also the broader issues surrounding blood cancer awareness and the crucial need for more individuals to consider becoming stem cell donors. By sharing his narrative and engaging in the marathon, he aims to motivate others to support this vital cause and capitalize on his ’second chance’ to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar health challenges.