Hi everyone. So after joining Anthony Nolan as a transplant donor in September 2013 I was informed in March 2014 that I was a match for a specific donee in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant! (The recipient is anonymous to me. All I know is that they are an adult male.) Without hesitation I said yes and after passing several medical checks I was given the go ahead to be his donor.

On the 11th July 2014 I began to receive injections that stimulate stem cell reproduction and allow stem cells to leave my bone marrow and enter my blood stream. The injections had some side effects such as migranes, aching bones and fatigue, but nothing was as horrible as what my recipient must be going through. 

On the  15th of July 2014 I checked into the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre in London and spent the day donating through a peripheral blood stem cell transplant. The needles were a bit big and a pain to get in the vains but once the lovely staff had me connected up it was just a matter of day dreaming while the machine did its magic. I was delighted to hear that they had collected 20% more stem cells than target and I was free to go home and rest. (Sometimes a second day of collection is needed). 24 hours later and I am feeling a bit tired and achy but otherwise healthy and resting as instructed. ;)

• Or by sponsoring me so the charity can continue to add people to the register and find more lifesaving matches. It costs them £100 just to register one potential donor to the register!