Former Football Star Maheta Molango to Run London Marathon for Leukaemia Care
Maheta Molango, the former Brighton and Hove Albion striker and current chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), is set to participate in this year's London Marathon. He is running in support of the charity Leukaemia Care, dedicating his efforts to the memory of his father, Moly Molango, who passed away in May 2025 after a five-year struggle with blood cancer.
A Personal Journey with Blood Cancer
Moly Molango was initially diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, after experiencing symptoms such as severe back pain and extreme fatigue. Following a misdiagnosis, he underwent treatment that included an autologous stem cell transplant, using his own cells. After a period of recovery, the disease returned and progressed into leukaemia, necessitating a donor stem cell transplant.
With no fully compatible donor available, Maheta stepped forward as a partial match. He described the process as safe and straightforward, involving injections to stimulate stem cells and a procedure similar to dialysis. However, despite the transplant and additional cell therapies, Moly's condition deteriorated, and he passed away within a month after becoming seriously ill around Easter 2025.
Advocacy for Stem Cell Donation
Maheta emphasized that his father's journey profoundly impacted his family, motivating him to run the marathon and advocate for greater awareness of blood cancer and stem cell donation. He highlighted a critical shortage of donors, particularly among underrepresented backgrounds like those with African heritage.
"I'm running for my father, but also to help others going through the same journey," Maheta said. "There is a real need for more stem cell donors. If sharing my story encourages even one more person to register, it's worth it."
Support from Leukaemia Care
Maheta chose Leukaemia Care due to its holistic approach, providing emotional, logistical, and financial support to patients and their families. He noted that not all families have the resources to support loved ones during such illnesses, making charities like Leukaemia Care essential.
Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, expressed gratitude for Maheta's efforts. "His story highlights the impact of blood cancer and the urgent need for more stem cell donors," Dyer said. "By raising awareness, he is potentially saving lives and supporting our vital work."
Fundraising and Training Efforts
Maheta has already made significant progress in fundraising, surpassing his initial £2,000 target within a day of sharing his challenge on LinkedIn. He has since increased his goal to £10,000 and committed to covering any shortfall personally. Balancing his role at the PFA, he has embraced marathon training, despite it being his first long-distance run.
"This will be my first marathon, and I wanted it to be for something meaningful," Maheta explained. "The journey through leukaemia is like a marathon—it requires resilience, persistence, and support from others."
Funds raised will support Leukaemia Care's work in providing information, advocacy, and emotional support to those affected by blood cancer across the UK.
