Phillip Mallery

Phillip has always been a keen athlete, participating in local runs, cycling events and triathlons, including five London Marathons and an Ironman Triathlon. Phillip was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable bone marrow cancer, in 2006. He had to have chemotherapy and a stem cell bone marrow transplant. Instead of getting depressed about this diagnosis, he became involved in Transplant Sport UK and after recovery, went on the win the cycling cup and several gold medals in the British Transplant Games. He uses sport to promote the message that that it is possible for everyone to participate in sport at their own level,even if they have had a transplant. He participated in a cross channel swimming relay from Dover to Calais in 2008 as part of a Transplant Team. Once in remission he also Trekked the Inca Trail and climbed Kilimanjaro with his family. Phillip relapsed with his disease in October 2010 and has had to endure more chemotherapy and is having a second transplant in June 2011. He is always optimistic and is determined to recover again and have more years of promoting and participating in the sports he loves. Many people look up to him as someone who never looks at things in a negative way, however bad the diagnosis is. He lives under the shadow of this incurable disease, but is always optimistic and passes on that optimism to everyone he meets. The chance to carry the Olympic Torch would be a great honour and a once in a lifetime chance.