A GENEROUS physiotherapist who donated his stem cells to save another’s life has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Mersea Island resident Elliott Brock is in the running to win a special recognition award at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards tonight.

It comes after the 42-year-old physiotherapist completed the London Marathon with Vicky Lawrence who received the stem cells.

Today, they raised more than £18,000 for the Anthony Nolan charity which runs a stem cell register and funds support and research into blood cancers and blood disorders.

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The awards recognise the achievements of volunteers, fundraisers, clinical supporters and donors who help the pioneering charity to save lives.

Elliot joined the Anthony Nolan stem cell register in 1998 and a decade later was contacted as a match for Vicky Lawrence who was then eight-years-old and in desperate need of a stem cell transplant.

Vicky said: “Without Elliott donating his stem cells to a stranger, I would not be here. I wouldn’t have made it to Christmas.

“I would never have had the opportunities I’ve had – to go to university, to study abroad, to play hockey.”

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The 21-year-old medical student sent Elliott a letter in 2015 and the pair have been friends ever since.

After running the London Marathon together in October, the pair raised more than £18,000 between them with Elliot being Anthony Nolan’s top fundraiser in the event.

The pair won’t stop from fundraising anytime soon either and plan to run the 2022 Great North Run together.

Elliott has also generously volunteered his skills as a physiotherapist for Team Anthony Nolan in this year’s London Marathon.

Vicky and Elliott have shared their story far and wide, raising awareness of the charity and reaching more than 100 million through media interviews.

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On his nomination, Elliot said: “This has been just amazing. I’ve loved telling my story for the last ten years but to actually having the platform to reach 100 million people, it’s just amazing.”

Henny Braund, chief executive of Anthony Nolan, said: “Congratulations Elliott. You and Vicky crossing the marathon finishing line together beautifully encapsulates what we do as a charity.”

All winners will be revealed tonight at anthonynolan.org/awards.