A WOMAN is taking on a gruelling challenge to say thank you to a charity which helped saved her life.

Louise Plumstead was given a life saving bone marrow transplant 14 years ago following a successful search for a donor by Anthony Nolan.

She and her partner Tom Misenti, 31, are now joining others for a 100 mile bike ride in aid of the charity.

Ms Plumstead, 37, was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a blood disorder that causes a drop in healthy blood cells.

She said: “I got lots of viruses and was ill a lot and I was eventually hospitalised with a kidney infection.

“I then had a blood test and realised that my immune system had been ‘depleted’.”

It took about six months for a donor to be found for Ms Plumstead and she has not looked back since.

She and Mr Misenti, from Brighton, both work at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy and are keen to encourage more people to sign up to the bone marrow register as well as raise money for the charity.

They are particularly keen to encourage people with a mixed ethnic background to sign up, as finding a match is more difficult in these cases.

Mr Misenti said: “Anthony Nolan have been fantastic in helping us properly prepare for this 100 mile ride.

“They held a training day where a sports nutritionist, physio and bike mechanic gave advice and encouragement, and I've never felt so ready for a big event like this.

“I never used to be the sporty type but I started cycling three years ago.

“When I met Louise, she and I shared a passion for surfing and then I got her into cycling.

“We cycle to school most days and we try to fit in at least one 30 or more mile ride every week, although it’s not always possible when you’re a teacher.

“We have also done a few long rides before, including a spur-of-the-moment 125 mile ride to London and back from Brighton.

“Hopefully we can help other people and raise awareness of the crucial work that Anthony Nolan does this time around.”

The ride takes place on July 31, leaving from the Olympic Park in London and looping around the Surrey Hills before finishing at Buckingham Palace.

To sponsor the paid, who are aiming to raise £1,200, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Tom-and-Louise.