Anthony Nolan - Be a Match, Save a Life

*A couple of weeks ago I said I had some exciting news...there's now been a couple of stumbling blocks, but here's a post I wrote in anticipation of the news...*

Around 15 years ago my Dad donated bone marrow to a 10 year old boy who was suffering from Leukemia.  That boy went on to beat Leukemia, grow up, go off to uni and is now living a full and normal life somewhere in the UK.

So a few years ago when the Anthony Nolan Trust (here) showed up at Bournemouth Uni looking for new people to put on their register, I didn't have to think twice.

Fast forward 3 years and I get a phone call.

"You're a potential match for a patient, would you like to go forward for more tests?"

(Speaking to the charity, it is extremely rare that two people in the same family could both be matches for patients, so it's a pretty unique thing)

And so it was, a blood test and a few week's wait later, and it's confirmed...I'm the match they've been looking for.

Wow.

I'm currently waiting for my final medical later this week to check my body is all good, and all being well I'll be donating within two weeks....

Unfortunately this is where my story comes to a close (for now). Due to a small complication (on my side), I am currently unable to donate the stem cells.

However, I still want to outline what is involved in the donation process, because there is a lot of false information out there, and it’s actually quicker, easier, and less painful than current perceptions.

So watch out over the next couple of days as I update this blog with some more details.

Thanks

Jamie