As I said, it looks like my cancer is now in remission due to a lot of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants, the first with my own stem cells over Christmas 2014 the other with a donors stem cells in May 2015, which just happened to be over my 49th Birthday.

It was really the last one with the donor stem cells that made the difference. I have no idea who that person is, other than a 26 year old male. I know when I was 26 years old I would never have thought of donating stem cells or going on a register. So I have a huge amount of respect and tons of thanks to that person for doing what he did, but also to everyone else that donates stem cells and is on the Anthony Nolan register. Without all those other kind and considerate people, those of us that need donor stem cells don’t stand a chance of a long term cure or survival. And without Anthony Nolan and the work they do maintaining and growing that Register there would be no hope of that treatment being available in the first place, so a huge thanks to Anthony Nolan and the people that work there.

Until I was diagnosed with cancer I never knew about Stem Cell treatment or that there was a register where you could donate stem cells if required. Its not like blood donations where you donate first. With Stem Cell donation you just need to register, all you need to do is give some saliva to have you tissue type logged. Then if you are a match for someone you are then asked to donate some stem cells. That just takes one day of your time. Its very similar to giving blood, just take s a few hours, and you may well have saved someone's life.

Remember: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never share them with anyone or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. They'll make sure Gift Aid (an additional 25%) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, too. That means more money goes to the charity, faster, with JustGiving.