A STUDENT who made it just in time to see her uncle before he died of blood cancer is preparing to run the London Marathon in his memory.

Haylie Cahill, of Frating, lost her uncle Peter Crathern to lymphoma cancer in July 2015.

She has since decided to take on the running event in a bid to raise awareness of blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan and its stem cell donor register.

The 19-year-old first stumbled on the charity during fresher's week at Hertfordshire University, where she studies international tourism management.

There was a stand for Marrow, a student branch of Anthony Nolan, which runs fundraising events and signs up students to the donor register.

After joining as a volunteer, Haylie is now vice-president of the Herts Marrow Committee, helping to organise events on campus.

Gazette:

Family ties - Haylie Cahill and uncle Peter Crathern

"Had a stem cell transplant been an option for my uncle, finding a ten out of ten match would have given him the best possible chance," she said.

"I wanted to be involved with Marrow to help give a second chance to others."

"My uncle passed away just before I turned 18 and started university. I flew out to Spain where he lived and made it to the hospital to see him – I was so glad I made it in time to say goodbye."

Haylie is now juggling marathon training with her degree, Marrow and a part-time job.

The aim is to raise £2,200 which could fund more than 35 new potential donors at a cost of £60 each.

She said: "Running a marathon is completely insane for me.

"I’ve never been sporty but last year I watched the marathon on TV and got a wave of inspiration.

"I applied on the Anthony Nolan website and a couple of weeks later they got in touch and said they’d love me to run for them.

"Training is hard but I know it’s going to be worth it."

To sponsor Haylie, click here.