It was the day of the London marathon two years ago when Natalie Dixon's life support machine was switched off.

Since then, a fundraising effort in her memory has collected a staggering £17,000 for cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

This month, friend Rebecca Brisley will pound the streets of the capital at this year's marathon to raise even more money.

"We strive towards raising £28,000 to total £1,000 for every year Natalie was alive," she said.

"She was diagnosed with leukaemia but Anthony Nolan found her a successful stem cell match. "Sadly, she later passed away due to acute pancreatitis as her immune system was incredibly weak due to her stem cell treatment.

"It was the day of the London marathon when they switched off her life support.

"She had lost an extremely graceful battle with cancer, which I watched tear holes in the lives of people who loved her so dearly."

Miss Brisley has worked hard on numerous fundraisers to draw in cash for the charity.

"I have held two successful quiz nights and pulled together local communities for raffle prices and free venues," she said.

"It's been a very rewarding and valuable experience for me. "It's helped me to achieve things I thought impossible and the support I have received has been unreal.

"Without Anthony Nolan, Natalie's loved ones wouldn't have had those extra days before she passed.

"I want to raise some money to help them continue to do the amazing things they are doing.

"We are looking at holding a charity ball next year and also getting a Tough Mudder 'Team Natalie' together to help reach our overall goal."

Anthony Nolan is a charity which aims to enable people with blood cancer to survive by finding them stem cell donors.

To donate, click here

For more information on Anthony Nolan and how donating stem cells can save lives, click here