A grandfather from Stockport has met the stranger who saved his life two years ago.
Peter Threader, 66, met David Maguire, 27, who donated stem cells to him when he was in desperate need of a stem cell transplant.
The pair met for the first time in David’s home town of Rhyl, North Wales, in October this year.
Peter's story
Peter said: “I wanted the chance to meet David personally to thank him for saving my life. It was wonderful to be able to meet him in person and to hear more about his experience of donating – I was delighted to hear that he actually enjoyed the process.
“I think he was surprised at the enormous effect it had had on me and my family but I am glad he and his family realise what a huge part he has played in my recovery.”
Peter was leading a busy life working for a barrister when, in September 2011, a routine blood test flagged up an abnormality in his platelet count.
Shockingly, despite having no symptoms, further tests revealed Peter was suffering from a rare blood disorder called hypoplastic myelodysplasia.
He was told that the condition was serious and that treatment options were limited. Rapidly, doctors told him that his best chance of survival was a bone marrow transplant.
Peter’s twin sister was tested but she was found not to be a match for him so his doctors asked the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan to search its register of bone marrow donors for a match.
Luckily, the charity was quickly able to find a perfect match for Peter in the form of a young man from Wales.
Peter's donor David
Knowing nothing else about the person who could save his life, Peter underwent the transplant at The Christie Hospital in Manchester in May 2012.
Peter suffered serious complications after the procedure but, two years on, he has made a good recovery.
Peter's letter to David
Once he was well enough, he sent an anonymous letter to his donor which read: “Dear Donor, I was recently the recipient of your stem cell donation. I would like to say thank you.
“The transplant in May appears to date to have been a success with no sign of rejection. Thank you again on behalf of my family and myself. Kindest regards."
David's letter back to Peter:
Peter was very touched to received this response: “Dear Recipient, Thank you so much for your letter I received. I have been meaning to write to you for a while now but didn't know what to write. I am overwhelmed your body never rejected the stem cells as I've been thinking of you constantly wishing you the very best of luck.
"I am so happy to hear it's working for you but if you do need more I would be there in a flash!
"The feeling I got from doing this for you has been no other feeling I have experienced before in my life, so thank you.
"I wish you and your family have the greatest of luck, health and happiness you deserve and enjoy life to the full.
"It would be nice to keep in contact to hear about your progress, but that's up to you and I understand if not. Thank you. Your donor!"
Peter and David meet
Eventually, after the required anonymity period of two years had passed, Peter and David both consented for Anthony Nolan to reveal their identities to one another.
Peter was told the man who saved his life was David Maguire, who works with disabled children in North Wales.
The pair started exchanging emails and soon decided to meet up.
Peter, and his wife Mary, travelled to Wales where they met David, his parents and his best friend who accompanied him to London when he made the donation.
David said: “I was really happy to see Peter looking so well – it was great to meet him and his wife.
“They have kept saying thank you to me but I don’t feel I need thanking – I want to thank them for allowing me to have this amazing experience.”
Peter and David now intend to remain in touch and are urging more 16 to 30-year-olds to sign up to the Anthony Nolan register.
How you can help
If you're aged 16–30 and in good general health you can join our register online by clicking on the button below:
