A REDDITCH man inspired to donate stem cells after losing his cousin to Leukaemia is on standby after a sick patient he alone can help became too ill for the treatment.
Leigh Southall, from Church Hill, lost his cousin Lucie to Leukaemia when she was just 13 years old.
In a bid to do something positive for others with the disease he signed up as a stem cell donor with DKMS – We Delete Blood Cancer.
Following Lucie’s passing, the family set up the Lucie Southall Leukaemia Fund holding regular charity events in her memory for Leukeamia charities.
“I came across DKMS and l signed up straight away,” said Leigh. “Why wouldn’t I if I can help someone and give them the greatest gift of all?”
After registering and sending off some saliva samples, Leigh heard nothing for 18 months – which is not unusual as for every donor there is only a four to five per cent chance of matching a patient.
But Leigh was one of the lucky ones: “I was shopping in B&M when the phone rang to tell me I had matched with someone. I was quite overcome to be honest – to think I could help save someone’s life was an overwhelming feeling.”
Leigh, an engineer by trade, was told his match was more than 95 per cent – significantly higher than most ‘positive matches’.
After meeting with the DKMS team to have more blood samples taken, Leigh was all set to donate the cells for his anonymous recipient in London, however this week he was told they were too weak to receive the cells as planned.
“I am gutted – I desperately want to help and really hope they are well enough soon to continue the process. I am ready to go whenever they need me,” said Leigh.
“My employers have been very understanding and are more than happy to let me go at the drop of a hat – but to be honest, even if it meant me losing my job, I would still do it. Saving a life is more important than any job.”
Leigh has already encouraged around 70 people to sign up as stem cell donors but hopes even more people will realise the significance of the need for donors and sign up after learning of his journey.
“It’s so simple, not invasive and you’ll be very well looked after,” he said Leigh. “To save someone’s life – someone like Lucie – it’s a no brainer.”
Visit https://www.dkms.org.uk to find out more.
