Give me a chance - I’m 28... and not ready to die just yet. Sheldon, 28, from Malvern in Worcestershire (originally from Cardiff), was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2016. Here, the busy supermarket manager shares his highs and lows and his desperate search for a stem cell donor.
Feeling unwell
“In 2016 I remember visiting the doctor because I wasn’t feeling very well. I’m not usually one to go to the doctor, but I knew I couldn’t delay it any longer as my body just didn’t feel right. I went to the GP and shortly after, (October 2016) I was admitted into hospital. My results came back in early December and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. It suddenly dawned on me that I had cancer. They are very surreal words to hear especially when they are directed at you! All I knew was that I was going to fight it with all my mite. Firstly, I checked to see if my brother was a match, but sadly he wasn’t.”
Meeting Ed Sheeran
“I spoke to my local hospital about referring me to University Hospital of Wales, because it was based in Cardiff - where my parents live and meant they could to care for me. Thankfully, my local hospital agreed and I underwent six months of chemotherapy. I was only 24 at the time at the time of my diagnosis and I have to say, I did, at times feel a little sorry for myself. I was treated in the hospital’s teenage Cancer unit, who arranged for me to meet Ed Sheeran in 2017 at the Royal Albert Hall.”
Back to the world
“Eventually, I went into remission in June of 2017 – it was a fantastic feeling. When you go into remission, you daren’t forget to appreciate the small things in life. I was so happy to get back to spending time with my partner. I even went so far as to start thinking again about pursuing my hobby as a TV and film extra.”
Relapse and autologous stem cell
Unfortunately, my period of remission only lasted for 18 months – I relapsed in January 2019. I was treated with more chemotherapy and then had an autologous stem cell operation several months later in August. This is where my own stem cells were used to replace my damaged ones. Sadly, it wasn’t to last, because a year after my first relapse the cancer returned for a second time in January 2020.”
Not ready to die
“I know that my medical team has done everything they could have done for me. All treatment has been unsuccessful and I’ve relapsed twice, so I really am down to my last chance now It’s simple, I want a second chance of life which means relying on the help of a stranger. I’ve teamed up with DKMS so they can help me find that person. I have so much more living to do and dreams to fulfil. I adore my partner and our recent addition to our household - our Labradoodle, Charlie. Please give me a chance - I’m only 28…and not ready to die just yet.”
It costs us £40 to register a new donor on the UK stem cell registry. As a charity, we rely on monetary donations from the public to help cover this cost and greatly appreciate any contribution, no matter how big or small.
If you are unable to register as a potential donor, we would be very grateful if you could consider making a contribution towards the cost of a registration.