Lincoln teenager Euan Scott is celebrating his 16th birthday this month by joining the bone marrow donor register. Euan and older brother Lewis, 18, decided to join the register after their dad, Derek, was unable to find a suitable donor when he needed a transplant two years ago.
Euan says, ‘The fact that my dad didn't have a match from the register when he was receiving treatment inspired me to join the register and see if I can help someone else get better.’
In October 2011 Derek was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Doctors told Derek that he needed a bone marrow transplant to save his life.
Sadly, no one on the adult donor register was a suitable donor for Derek.
Derek, 46, says, ‘I am very proud of both of my sons for joining the bone marrow register. When life turns upside-down, you need to know that people want to help. I have a strong understanding that if people don't join the register, people like me can be left with no match and undergo a desperate search for a cure.’
Fortunately, Derek later received a stem cell transplant using an umbilical cord blood unit banked by Anthony Nolan. He has since made a successful recovery.
Looking forward, Euan says, ‘If I was told that I was a match for someone in need of a transplant I'd be excited about being able to fulfil that need. I would encourage anyone to join the register. What is two days out of my life if I can give my bone marrow to someone and save their life?’
Ann O’Leary, Head of Register Development at Anthony Nolan, says, ‘It’s incredible that Euan and Lewis have been inspired to join the register by their dad’s story. We urgently need more young men to join the register as they make the best donors and are under-represented on the register. Joining the register simply involves providing a saliva sample and in 90% of cases, the donation procedure is similar to giving blood.’
If you are aged 16–30 and in good health, you can join the register.