By Lee Clow
LLANDYBIE RFC’s Leighton Rees has had a tough but incredible 10-year journey.
At the age of only 23, Leighton was diagnosed with blood cancer Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Now, a decade on, he has just completed the London Marathon.
He went through 15 months of treatment when he became ill, which included a stem cell transplant.
But with the support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, which offers help and care for people aged 13-24, he made a full recovery and is now a family man who runs his own business and still plays rugby.
And he was able to give the charity something back earlier this month after crossing the finishing line in London with his sister Laura – more than £15,000, raised in the build up to the race and a figure which saw the pair named in the event’s top 20 fundraisers.
“I really enjoyed it, the atmosphere was fantastic, it was like a carnival,” said Leighton.
“To say I actually completed it was amazing, it was a tick off the bucket list.”
The money raised had an impact closer to home too.
Leighton added: “Ever since I received my treatment, I have always wanted to give back to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The countdown has started! Tomorrow I’ll be doing my fundraising challenge for Teenage Cancer Trust, there’s still time to make a donation. My JustGiving page tells you what I’m doing and why https://t.co/ztXG9h6DBQ #JustGiving
— Laura J Craddock (@LauraJCraddock) October 2, 2021
“There was a young boy in the village who was going through something very similar to me and we wanted to raise money so we could give him a donation.”
In 2019, Leighton and his sister managed to secure a place to run the 2020 race in support of the trust. Fundraising for the event soon followed and an initial target of £4,000 was agreed.
Leighton’s club Llandybie RFC played a huge part in helping with the fundraiser. The club offered to host a charity auction evening, with all ticket prices sales going towards the fundraiser.
“We could not have raised that money without them, it was an amazing night,” he said.
“We raised so much money that we were able to give the young boy in the village a cheque for his treatment.”
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the London event was cancelled for 2020 which meant Leighton and his family were forced to wait another year before they could compete. But they got there in the end.
“The Teenage Cancer Trust are amazing; their facilities and support of the staff are second to none,” said Leighton.
“It doesn’t feel as clinical as being in a hospital, it’s somewhere friends and family can come and visit, and it gives the young people a sense of normality as opposed to just being in a hospital.
“They are really close to my heart.”
The strong connection between Leighton’s family and the Teenage Cancer Trust has remained throughout the years, and they continue to support them in any way they can.
“My family will always be indebted to the Teenage Cancer Trust for the lifesaving treatment my brother received,” said Laura Craddick, Leighton’s sister.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us get beyond our target. To be number 16 in the top 20 of fundraisers for the event is an achievement in itself.”
Since completing the marathon, Leighton and Laura have continued to thank everyone who supported them along their journey.
Leighton said: “To everyone who has supported and donated, I want to say a massive thank you, it is greatly appreciated.”
To support Leighton and donate towards the Teenage Cancer Trust click the link here.