Guernsey Press

Marathon effort in tribute to late postman friend

A FRIEND of the late postal worker Mark Fallaize has committed to running the London Marathon to raise money for the Anthony Nolan charity.

Published
Kate Walford will be running the London Marathon in memory of her late postman friend Mark Fallaize, who died last year. She is raising money for the Anthony Nolan charity, which helped find him a stem cell donor

Mr Fallaize worked for Guernsey Post for 31 years and died in November after contracting an infection following a stem cell transplant.

Guernsey woman Kate Walford is raising money for the charity, which helped to find a stem cell donor for her friend Mr Fallaize.

‘When I found out about Mark’s diagnosis, I wanted to do anything I could to help,’ the 45-year-old said.

‘I learnt that you must be between 16 and 30 to join the Anthony Nolan register because their research shows it’s better for patients, but although I couldn’t register I thought I can still help by raising money.’

This will be Ms Walford’s first marathon after taking up running at the end of 2017.

After completing a half marathon last year, she decided to aim for one of the world’s best known marathons.

‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a place in the London Marathon,’ she said.

‘My initial feelings were shock and fear, but I quickly became excited knowing that I would be able to do something in memory of Mark.’

So far more than £5,000 has been raised, with more than a month to go before the race.

Ms Walford’s former colleagues helped organise a Prosecco pyjama party and an afternoon tea event in October, which raised £2,400.

Mr Fallaize and his wife Julie had previously said they would like to travel to London to watch their friend compete and had booked a hotel room in advance.

‘It never is in anyone’s plan not to make it, so he always said he would be there to watch me,’ Ms Walford said.

‘A lot of Mark’s friends have now become my friends, and they’ve been helping me with fundraising. It’s really nice that we have all come together in support.’

Anthony Nolan finds and matches donors, of the correct tissue types, with patients with blood cancers and disorders who need lifesaving stem cell transplants, giving them a second chance of life.

The charity also carries out pioneering research to increase the success of stem cell transplants and supports patients through their transplant journeys.

Head of community and events at Anthony Nolan, Kirsty Mooney, said: ‘We are delighted that Kate is lacing up her trainers and running the London Marathon for us this year.

‘With every mile completed Team AN will be providing hope.

‘The funds they raise will enable us to recruit potential stem cell donors to the Anthony Nolan register – any one of whom could give a second chance of life for someone with blood cancer.’

. To sponsor Kate Walford visit https://bit.ly/2VWQRK8.

. To find out more about Anthony Nolan, or to take part in your own challenge event, visit www.anthonynolan.org/events.