Powered by blood donors: Patient with blood condition takes on first marathon
Chloë Adlerstein, 32, a London-based thalassaemia patient who relies on blood transfusions every two weeks is taking on the mammoth task of running this year's London Marathon, raising vital funds for UK Thalassaemia Society.
Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce normal haemoglobin, resulting in too little oxygen in the bloodstream, leaving those with the condition with severe symptoms, including extreme tiredness and shortness of breath.
Chloë had lived with Beta thalassaemia all her life, but it wasn't until the age of 17 when the condition was finally identified by a random blood test. It was only at this time, that doctors realised that throughout her whole life, Chloë had been functioning on less than half the oxygen than her peers.
Chloë says:
"I am more surprised than anyone to be in this position to run the marathon, as I grew up believing I was just rubbish at sport or anything energetic. I dreaded school sport days, especially the Cross-Country run, as I knew I would struggle and most likely come last. It wasn’t until doctors told me that I had been living on less than half the oxygen than my peers that it all started to come together and make sense - no wonder I had suffered with fatigue and hated PE!"
Chloë, originally from Leicestershire, now lives and works full-time in London. Over the years, she has become increasingly reliant on regular blood transfusions and since 2023, now attends the Macmillan Cancer Unit at University College London Hospital to receive two to three units of blood every two weeks. She is an Account Manager for The Ann Savva Group and regularly works from her hospital bed.
When talking about those who give the blood needed for her fortnightly transfusions, Chloë says:
"I am eternally grateful to all the kind souls who take time out of their busy lives to donate blood, to enable people like me to live a somewhat normal, healthy, happy life. Without them I would never have been able to even consider running, let alone complete a marathon
"I implore anyone who can, to give blood, it's such a selfless gesture considering you will probably never meet the beneficiaries – but as one I can assure you, we truly are so grateful. Your blood has given me the life force and energy to do this!"
Statements
There is currently an urgent need to build blood stocks after the Easter break and in the lead up to the two May Bank Holidays. NHS Blood and Transplant is urging more donors to come forward and help fill appointments. There is a particular need for O negative, O positive and B negative blood types, as well as more donors of Black heritage who are most likely to have the much-needed RO subtype used to treat patients with sickle cell.
Hospitals across England need over 5,000 blood donations every day to ensure they have the blood they need to treat patients. However, blood has a shelf life of 35 days so its vital stocks are constantly replenished. Currently two-thirds of the blood collected across England is used to treat those with ongoing conditions, such as blood disorders and cancer.
How you can help
There are still thousands of appointments available to fill, with greatest availability at NHS donor centres situated in major towns and cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Bradford, Cambridge and Luton.
To book an appointment to give blood, please download the Give Blood app, visit our website or call 0300 123 23 23.