My sister Iona was admitted to Belfast City Hospital on the 5th February 2024 and after extensive tests she was diagnosed with leukaemia. Iona underwent sessions of chemotherapy and was discharged on the 17th May on medication.

While Iona responded well to the medication her consultant asked if she had any siblings and would they be willing to donate bone marrow. With no hesitation both Joanne and myself were tested at The City Hospital, Joanne was a 50% match and I was a perfect match.

In February 25, I travelled to The Anthony Nolan Clinic in London for further medical tests in and then two weeks later in the clinic in London I donated my stem cells for Iona.

Iona received her transplant in April and she is keeping well.

This September I am aiming to walk 1 mile everyday during the month of September (Blood Cancer Awareness Month) to raise funds for Anthony Nolan. Anthony Nolan is a world-leading stem cell register, groundbreaking cell and gene therapy research and expertise in stem cell transplants meaning they can help four patients a day in need of a transplant, giving more people another chance to live. During my stem cell donation, the care and attention of the staff was incredible and this is just a small way of giving back to an important charity.

Thank you so much for all your donations!

Many thanks, Janet