Loughborough University runners are taking on London’s Green Belt Relay to raise money to support the Anthony Nolan charity. The 220 mile, 22-stage race takes place on 16 – 17 May.

Leading the team of staff and alumni runners is the University’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Steve Rothberg, who was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2009. After 18 months of treatment, Steve received a life-saving bone marrow transplant after a donor was identified through Anthony Nolan’s register. 

In 2010, whilst Steve was undergoing treatment, the University organised a donor drive for Anthony Nolan that attracted the highest number of recruits from any UK university to date.  A team of University runners – including former 5000m world record holder and alumni David Moorcroft, OBE – took part in the Round Leicester Relay in 2010 to raise funds for the charity.

“When I was ill, acts of kindness from friends and colleagues like the donor-drive and the fundraising run meant so much. They really helped to keep me strong and positive during some pretty dark times.” said Steve. He continued: “I promised the team that I’d run with them when I was better and now the time has come! We’re running because every 20 minutes someone in the UK is told they have a blood cancer such as leukaemia and for many a bone marrow transplant is their only chance.”

The Wolfson School Committee have also been working together with Anthony Nolan to organise an on-campus event. They will be holding a stem cell register recruitment session in the James France foyer and the LSU from 11.00am - 4.00pm on Thursday 30 April.

You can make a donation to the challenge at www.justgiving.com/Lboro-Green-Belt-Relay