TWO Bradford sisters are running the London Marathon arm-in-arm to show fighting cancer is not something that needs to be done alone.

Nicola Pearson, 22, and sister Rachael, 21, will be pounding the capital's streets for 26 miles to raise money for the Anthony Nolan blood cancer charity.

Their father, David, a former policeman, was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in April last year, two weeks before Nicola prepared to run the London Marathon for the first time.

“We were devastated, it was a huge shock,” said Nicola, who works at Emley Moor mast in Kirklees.

“After a few months of treatment he was in remission, which we were over the moon about, but six weeks later a scan found that the cancer had developed into a more aggressive form.”

Mr Pearson is now being treated with chemotherapy before undergoing a stem cell transplant.

The experience inspired Rachael, who works in distribution for Yorkshire Water, to join her sister in signing up for this year's London Marathon, and not only that, but to run it arm-in-arm, and step-by-step wearing wristbands joined together with cable ties.

Nicola added: “We initially wanted to run with our legs tied but realised it was completely unrealistic, so instead we will run with our arms linked, to symbolise that no one is alone when they are going through this terrible time.

“We have always been keen on fitness but running 26.2 miles seemed completely insane, let alone doing it linked together. "I’m anticipating loads of arguments, but I know I won’t be able to run away.”

The pair have been busy fundraising through cake sales, bag packs and auctions and are just £200 away from reaching their target of £3,700.

As it costs £60 to add each new donor to the Anthony Nolan register, they could fund over 60 new potential donors for people with blood cancer, providing 60 more chances of a cure.

“People don’t understand what cancer treatment involves until they’re in that position themselves,” she added: “A lot of people think my dad goes for an injection and then he’s fine, they don’t realise he might have to have a transplant and find a donor. It’s so important that people join the stem cell register. I can’t think of anything worse than my dad needing a donor and not being able to find a match.

“Charities like Anthony Nolan save lives. People like my dad wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them,” she added. “We want to help other families going through the same thing.”

Kirsty Low, head of events at Anthony Nolan, said: “Nicola and Rachael aren’t just taking on the London Marathon, they’re doing it arm-in-arm. We’re delighted to have them on the team. The money they raise will help carry out pioneering research into stem cell transplants and find donors for people in need of a transplant.”

Mr Pearson will be watching the event on television as his immune system is too low to be there in person but his daughters have promised they will be thinking of him as they cross the finish line.

To sponsor Nicola and Rachael, visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NicolaPearson4

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