Andy's Call for Donors

But behind the scenes, Nathan’s father Andy has been having chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia. Andy, who works in cyber security, first fell ill with flu-like symptoms whilst taking Nathan to a scholarship race in Doncaster, and was diagnosed in February 2024. He spent most of the year in hospital in Liverpool – where one comfort was being able to watch Nathan racing via YouTube.

“The leukaemia diagnosis was a nightmare – we are a close family and I had to tell the boys alone,” remembers Sarah, Nathan’s mum. With support from the racing community, the Williams family, which also includes Nathan’s 14 year old younger brother Zach, pulled together. Andy initially went into remission, but unfortunately relapsed earlier this year. Now, doctors have said that he needs a stem cell transplant, which is planned for September. Only a third of patients will find a stem cell donor within their family. Unfortunately, none of the Williams’ are a match, so Andy will need to rely on a stranger who has joined the stem cell register to give him a second chance. He had only one 100% match out of the 43 million people on the register.

Now the family are working with blood cancer charity, DKMS to encourage more people to join the stem cell register. By registering as a stem cell donor, you could potentially save the life of someone like Andy. Anyone aged 17-55 and in general good health can sign up with DKMS, it just requires a few quick mouth swabs.

Nathan’s car for the OT Coupe series is proudly emblazoned with the DKMS logo, which can be seen on his website. The family hope it will act as a conversation-starter that will encourage people in the racing community and beyond to sign up as potential stem cell donors. Every year in the UK, approximately 2,000 people will be waiting for a stem cell transplant, just like Nathan’s dad.