If you have children, you will remember how elated you were when you were given your first born. I cried with tears of joy.
Recently, I cried with tears of devastation.

Our brave little boy has been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, the exact same illness that Anthony Nolan had.

Austin is 5 1/2 months old whilst I write this and to look at him, apart from a strange rash on his skin, you would never know he is ill. But he is. His blood is failing, something you and I take for granted. Something we try not to see, something that we cover up when we see it, then forget about it once more.

I can't forget about it now. I think about it all the time.

A parent's love for a child is not like blood at all. Blood can drain away and take life whilst doing so.
My love for my son will always be there and I will do everything in my power to save his life.

But, there is little I can do, imagine how I feel? Helpless? Sad? Depressed?

No. I am determined, determined to ask each and every one of you to help to save people like my son by signing up to become a stem cell donor for patients in need and by raising awareness and funds for Anthony Nolan.

Please join the register - you will have one eternally grateful Father and Mother for the remainder of your life.

Under 30? www.anthonynolan.org/join
Over 30? www.dkms.org.uk/en/swabforlife

It's a simple swab/spit specimen, you receive it in the post and pop it back. Simple as that.
If you're a match, over 90% of the time it's a completely painless procedure similar to giving blood.

If you want to see more of Austin's story:

Facebook - www.fb.me/savebabyaustin

Twitter - #savebabyaustin

Fundraising

I am aiming to continually raise funds for this amazing charity, which Shirley Nolan set up back in the 70's when stem cell transplants were still in their infancy.
It costs £60 to put each new donor on the register and so please make a donation and support the amazing work that Anthony Nolan does.

The people that know me, know that I am not particularly "fit" that is to say I would have difficulty running 500m.

However, I am a keen golfer and I am aiming to set up the mother of all challenges for the longest day this year 21st June. 72 holes of golf to be played in one day. No buggy,. Just a person, their legs, a bag and their golf clubs. We're talking approximately 24 miles of walking and in my case a minimum of 330 shots!

19th June - Deangate Ridge Golf Club are supporting the event by allowing us to play there.

My teammates are:

Christopher Pearce, Joe Walford & David Cowling-Cass

I would be ever so grateful if you could show your support for us and help this amazing charity.

Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. They do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells, to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. They also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. They won’t stop until they save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings them closer to that day.

All of our warmest regards to you all,
Lewis and Kasia Brown
xx