Danielle, Nikki and Sam were determined to help when their close friend, Holly, had a diagnosis that turned their life upside down.

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On 4^th February Holly Sumner’s life, and the lives of all those around her got turned upside down when she received a very sudden and unexpected diagnosis. She was told she had Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), this devastating news was delivered on World Cancer Day. The day after was her partner, Leigh’s birthday when the couple shared the news with all her friends and loved ones.

Holly is receiving treatment for her diagnosis at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Thankfully her condition is curable and she is bravely sharing her journey on her social media channels. Documenting the trials and tribulations of her diagnosis and treatment every few days and also encouraging more people to sign up to be a Stem Cell donors which could help save lives for others in a similar situation.

The news sent shockwaves through her friendship group. Inspired by Holly and the wonderful staff at the Hallamshire, close friends Danielle, Nikki and Sam instantly knew they had to do something, no matter what, to try to help. The trio set themselves the target of running the Sheffield Half Marathon, with only 6 short weeks to train and fundraise.

Danielle described Holly as “The life and soul of the party, the girl that lights up the room and has the most positive effect on everyone she meets. She is a ray of selfless beautiful sunshine”

They have already smashed their initial target of £1,000, with the Just Giving page total currently standing at over £7,000 and have recruited more runners to join them to take on the challenge as part of #TeamHolly too.

The friends are pushing to raise as much money as possible for Sheffield Blood Cancer Trust.  The Sheffield Blood Cancer Trust is part of Sheffield Hospitals Charity and champions the incredible work done at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield caring for patients with leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma.

An incredibly dedicated multi-disciplinary team of nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and support staff look after patients with blood cancer.

Gareth Aston, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said “We are overwhelmed by the amazing efforts of Danielle and their team, who have gone above and beyond to support Holly and the work of teams across Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. I would like to wish them all the very best for the Half Marathon”

To support #TeamHolly you can donate to their Just Giving page - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hollysums