Manx resident Eugene Wilson, 55, has been shortlisted for the Shirley Nolan Award for Special Recognition at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2016.
 
The prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards are back for their fourth year to celebrate, recognise and thank the outstanding supporters who keep the pioneering blood cancer charity moving forward.
 
Eugene, a hospice nurse, has supported Anthony Nolan since 2005 after losing his daughter Lisa to leukaemia, aged just 22. To date, he has run ten marathons, trekked the Great Wall of China and organised a number of events on the Isle of Man to raise over ?50,000.
 
Eugene said: ‘It’s not about me – it’s about Lisa. She’s working through me whether I’m caring for patients or running marathons. Throughout her illness her fighting spirit prevailed and she never once gave up. I refuse now to give in to grief; instead I channel all the energy she inspired in me towards supporting Anthony Nolan so that other people don’t have to lose their loved ones too. She inspires me every day and I know she’d be so proud of this award nomination.’
 
Anthony Nolan has recognised his marathon efforts in fundraising and promoting awareness of the charity and blood cancer.
 
Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential stem cell donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a stem cell transplant. It also carries out vital research to make stem cell transplants more successful, and supports patients through their transplant journey.
 
Henny Braund, Chief Executive at Anthony Nolan, said: ‘Eugene is an incredible supporter of the charity and we’re delighted that he has been shortlisted for this award. He has literally gone the extra mile for Anthony Nolan so much so that he has passed on his dedication to his family and friends. Thousands of people support Anthony Nolan and enable us to carry out our lifesaving work. Eugene really has gone above and beyond in his commitment to the charity and we’re so grateful for everything that he does.’
 
Henny added: “This year’s awards will be a fitting occasion to bring all our supporters together and thank them for helping us to save more lives every day.”
 
The awards ceremony takes place on 22nd November in the House of Commons and winners will be announced at the event. For more information, go to www.anthonynolan.org/awards.