Dad's Marathon Dash After Blood Cancer Miracle

Alastair Rigden, diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable blood cancer in 2018, is set to participate in the London Marathon. This event marks a significant milestone eight years after his initial diagnosis of blastoid mantle cell lymphoma.

His journey involved intensive chemotherapy and treatments. A stem cell transplant, made possible by a donation from a teenager, provided him with a crucial second chance at life. Rigden is now fundraising and raising awareness for the Anthony Nolan charity, which facilitated this transplant.

Initially diagnosed with a lump near his groin in late 2017, Rigden's condition was critical. Doctors indicated that a delay in seeking medical attention could have been fatal. The diagnosis of an 'incurable' disease profoundly impacted him and his family.

Rigden underwent double-dosed chemotherapy due to the severity of his condition. The stem cell transplant, described as a 'reboot' of the immune system, was facilitated by Anthony Nolan, involving both an autologous and an allogeneic transplant from an unrelated donor.

Despite running for the charity, Rigden's condition relapsed in October 2022. He is currently on a different treatment plan, with his prognosis remaining uncertain as he awaits further scans and updates.

Anthony Nolan facilitates approximately 1,200 stem cell transplants annually in the UK and supports hundreds more internationally. Donors typically undergo a peripheral blood stem cell collection, a generally simple outpatient procedure.