"Stephen is doing great and is now practising his trombone every day"
At the end of last year, accomplished trombonist, conductor and guitarist Stephen received a blood stem cell donation and is now on the road to recovery.
This news will brighten up your day. At the end of last year, accomplished trombonist, conductor and guitarist Stephen received a blood stem cell donation and is now on the road to recovery!
Stephen’s life and successful musical career were paused in February 2016, after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. He was told that he needed specialist treatment and a blood stem cell donation from a matching donor.
The #SwabforSykes appeal spawned its own ‘Acrobat Challenge’ prompting other trombonists around the world to perform John Greenwood’s ‘The Acrobat’ and nominating others to do the same. The challenge inspired more than 1500 new people to join the stem cell registry!
Stephen’s mother, Joanna, said: “Stephen is doing great and is now practising his trombone every day. He still has a long way to go but what a fabulous first few steps. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone that took part in the ‘Acrobat Challenge’ and supported the appeal in any way.”
Congratulations Stephen – we’re incredibly happy for you! Here’s a massive thank you to everyone that supported Stephen and registered as a potential blood stem cell donor. We promise to keep encouraging others to join the UK stem cell registry to give more second chances of life!
Inspired by Stephen’s story and keen to go on standby to save the life of someone like him ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February? If you are in good health and aged between 17 and 55, register as a potential blood stem cell donor.
If you are not eligible or are already registered, why not check other ways to get involved in the fight against blood cancer or help us cover donor registration costs?