Ancol director Simon Lane and head of buying, Richard Whitehouse, are getting ready to run the London Marathon in April to raise money for Anthony Nolan, the UK’s blood cancer charity and bone marrow register, which saves the lives of hundreds of cancer patients every year.

Anthony Nolan is a special charity to the Lane family as they helped to save the life of Simon’s son, William. “In 2007, my beautiful son William, who was only four years old at the time, was diagnosed with leukemia” explains Simon. “Thanks to Anthony Nolan, we found a bone marrow donor for William and he is now a healthy nine year old.”

Already Simon and Richard are delighted to have raised more than £1,500 but are keen to raise as much as possible to help more people benefit from a lifesaving transplant.

Mary Campbell, Head of Events at Anthony Nolan, said: “We’re delighted that Simon and Richard are part of our marathon team. Mile by mile, they will be running to save the lives of more people like William. The funds they have already raised will help us to recruit 10,000 potential bone marrow donors to the Anthony Nolan register – for someone with blood cancer, that’s 10,000 more chances of a cure.”

“Anthony Nolan helped our family beyond words” adds Simon, “My brother Jonathan donated bone marrow for Anthony Nolan last year so it feels great that I am able to do something in return. Please sponsor us if you can - any amount you are able to spare would be great. Thank you.”

To donate, visit Ancol’s fundraising page at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ancol

For more information on Anthony Nolan visit www.anthonynolan.org

Pictured above: Richard (left) and Simon in training for the marathon.