Falkirk Footballer Leah Takes on Great North Run to Raise Money for Anthony Nolan Charity
What happened?
Leah Anderson, a 25-year-old Falkirk footballer, is taking on the Great North Run to raise money for the Anthony Nolan charity after undergoing a lifesaving stem cell transplant in May 2024. Leah, a Royal Navy submariner, will run the Great North Run to give back to the charity that saved her life.
Why it matters for Falkirk
Leah's decision to take on the Great North Run is a testament to her strength and determination. As a key player for Falkirk, her participation will inspire fans and raise awareness for the Anthony Nolan charity.
What comes next?
Leah's recovery from the transplant has been long and challenging, but she is now fit enough to take on the Great North Run. The charity event will take place on September 13, 2026, and Leah will be running in support of the Anthony Nolan charity.
Leah described the recovery process: 'I had no immune system to fight off the donor's stem cells. The transplant itself doesn't take long, mine took maybe an hour, not even. You're awake throughout it, it just drips in, you don't really feel any different.'
Leah's sister wasn't a match for the transplant, so Leah turned to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register. Leah said: 'I think it's really important because when I found out I needed one and I was telling all my friends and my family the amount of people that said, 'oh what's that?''
To donate to Leah's fundraiser, visit her JustGiving web page. For advice on how to sign up for Anthony Nolan, visit their website.
Anthony Nolan saves and transforms the lives of people in need of stem cell transplants, giving four people another chance to live every day through its register of donors, as well as funding research.
Leah's next match for Falkirk is against Heart of Midlothian on August 22, 2026, at home. The team is currently 24 points behind the leaders in the Premiership, with a recent form of 0W-0D-5L.
Falkirk's recent form has been disappointing, with a loss to Rangers on May 16, 2026. The team's goals this season stand at 45 scored and 48 conceded, resulting in a goal difference of -3.
Leah's participation in the Great North Run will not only raise money for the Anthony Nolan charity but also bring attention to the importance of stem cell donations. As a key player for Falkirk, Leah's actions will inspire fans and raise awareness for the charity.
To donate to Leah's fundraiser, visit her JustGiving web page. For advice on how to sign up for Anthony Nolan, visit their website.
Anthony Nolan's register of donors has helped save lives, and Leah's participation in the Great North Run will be a testament to the charity's impact.
