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Michelle from Cheadle Hulme first started supporting The Christie Charity when her nephew Josh Hallam was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) a few months before his 18th birthday.
Josh's sister Victoria donated her bone marrow, and the transplant was a success. During his illness, Josh was cared for by the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) unit at The Christie.
Sadly, Josh died in 2015 aged 23. Throughout his illness, Michelle said that Josh continued to be a fantastic inspirational young man, showing resilience and trying to live life to the full. Only a few months before he died, he went to New York, oxygen in tow so he could realise one of his dreams. A fund was set up in Josh's memory and, so far, and an incredible £56K has been raised for The Christie Charity.
A lot of the money has been raised via organised charity events such as 10k runs, half marathons, marathons, a trip up the Himalayas, and many different bike ride challenges.
Michelle has already completed a few Manchester to Blackpool bike rides and a 10k run. She took up running about 8 years ago and is now planning to take on the London Marathon for The Christie Charity on Sunday 21 April 2024. The London Marathon will be her first marathon and her biggest physical challenge to date.
"[During Josh's treatment], the staff were fabulous, and his family are eternally grateful for the excellent treatment and care he received during his multiple stays. The Christie became like a second home to him and his immediate family - Josh was devoted to the staff who cared for him for 6 years.
"I am running for The Christie Charity so other young people can receive the support and care they need during the most difficult time in their young lives. Josh would expect no less – although I do think he'd worry I'm too old for this!
