Sean's story
Sean and his loved ones are rallying together to help save lives! They’re hosting a charity football match to raise vital funds and help grow the stem cell donor register - and you can be part of it. 🗓Join them on 19 July at the Windmill Pub in Runcorn from 10am-3pm to register as a stem cell donor.
“Nobody should have to worry about waiting for a donor. It’s hard to see so many people still waiting for their match,” shares Sean.
Sean, 39, is a devoted dad and husband from Cheshire who’s facing blood cancer for the third time. Now, he’s calling on more people to join the stem cell register.
Sean reflects: “Just weeks before my son, Jimmy, was born I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). I started chemo straight away which means I missed Jimmy’s birth. For weeks, we were in the same hospital but on different wards, unable to see each other."
Sean’s wife, Rebbecca, adds: “It was horrific – it's only now, when you have time to reflect, you realise what you went through. I was living between two wards – it was very difficult.”
After going into remission and enjoying a precious family holiday, Sean relapsed. A stem cell transplant from a selfless donor on the register gave him more time. But then the cancer returned again – Sean’s third diagnosis of AML.
“A new drug trial is my last option really. It could give me some more time. Despite everything, I’m feeling positive and hopeful,” shares Sean.
“The transplant has given me more time with my family - I want others to have that chance too. Signing up to the stem cell register takes less time than ordering a pint! It’s just a few cheek swabs.
“Knowing people want to show up and support me, it’s boss – I didn’t think people liked me that much! I’m made up to be honest!”