Emilia’s Big Day: London Broncos partner with DKMS to celebrate young rugby fan

Set to score: DKMS and London Broncos

‘Emilia’s Big Day’ is part of a partnership between London Broncos and DKMS UK, which encourages rugby fans to become potential lifesavers by joining the stem cell donor register.

Emilia Mackay was just five years old when she was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder, and required weekly blood and platelet transfusions just to survive. Doctors said that she needed a stem cell transplant, but unfortunately, no one in her family was a match, so a global search began to find a stranger who could save her life.

Emilia’s dad, James Mackay, says, “As a parent, my child being diagnosed with such a serious illness was my worst nightmare. When we knew that Emilia’s future would rely on someone from the stem cell donor register, it was terrifying.”

Fortunately for Emilia, a stranger in Germany had signed up to the DKMS donor register and was identified as a match. They agreed to donate their stem cells, which were then flown to the UK before being quickly transferred to the hospital where Emilia was being cared for. Emilia is now seven years old and since her transplant at the end of 2023, she has been thriving.

James says, “Emilia’s donor changed everything for us. It’s obviously very emotional; the kindness of a random stranger means that my daughter has been given another chance at life. We’re so happy that she is well enough to do the things she loves, and that we can attend rugby games as a family. We are so excited for the event with Broncos and DKMS -- we won’t just be celebrating Emilia, we’ll also be adding more people to the register so that more patients like her can get a second chance at life”.

Fun for all the family

From 2pm on 6 September, there will be interactive games and activities for all ages, entertainment throughout the day, along with food trucks and refreshments at Cherry Red Records stadium in Wimbledon. The London Broncos versus Bradford Bulls match will kick off at 4pm. Attendees can also join the stem cell register on the day by completing a few simple mouth swabs.

Emilia and her family will be there supporting DKMS as they add supporters onto the register, and answer questions about stem cell donation and transplantation.

Jason Loubser, Chief Executive for London Broncos, says: "We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with DKMS and celebrating Emilia at our match against Bradford Bulls on 6 September. At the London Broncos, we believe rugby league is more than just a game, it’s a community built on strength, solidarity and support. This match is not only a great opportunity to welcome new fans into the sport but also to shine a spotlight on the vital, life-saving work DKMS does in the fight against blood cancer. We hope to inspire our supporters and the wider rugby community to step up, get involved and potentially become heroes off the field too."

Peter McCleave, DKMS UK Managing Director, says: “Stem cell donors can truly change people’s lives. For Emilia, it has meant she is in remission and back doing the things she loves. We’re so grateful for the support of London Broncos and the wider rugby league community, who have been working so hard to get the word out and encouraging more people to join the stem cell donor registry.”

Join us!

• Emilia’s Big Day will take place on Saturday 6 September, at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, SW17 0NR. Gates open and activities begin: 2pm. Match kick off: 4pm
• A percentage of ticket sales will go to DKMS. Tickets for the match are available here: Buy a ticket
• If you can’t attend, you can sign up to receive a mouth swab kit online at: https://www.dkms.org.uk/london-broncos