A lifelong Guernsey resident has launched a desperate appeal for a stem cell donor to save his life and gift him the chance to watch his grandchild grow up.
Mark Falliaze, 53, has myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and has been told by doctors that he urgently requires new stem cells from a stranger to rebuild his immune system, so he can fight infection and disease.
‘I have a granddaughter who is two years old in August, and it’s so important to me that I’m able to spend time with her as she grows up,' said Mark. ‘My family were devastated when they found out about my diagnosis. They’ve shown great strength, solidarity and support, but I think it’s really hard for them.'
He was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in May 2016 and was treated with three courses of chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital.
Mark - who has worked for the Post Office on Guernsey for 31 years - returned to work, but was told in June 2018 that he had developed MDS.
Now, his doctors have advised him that he needs an urgent stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor to cure him of his MDS and Anthony Nolan has sprung into action, searching for a new matching donor.
‘I would say to the people of Guernsey that it’s a straightforward procedure if you’re ever called up to donate,' said Mark. You just need to spend five minutes signing up and swabbing your cheek, and one day you might save a life like mine.
‘You might not be a match for me, but you could help one person out there who really needs you and that makes it all worth it.’
National Register Development Manager at Anthony Nolan, Rebecca Sedgwick, said: ‘The people of Guernsey have always been huge supporters of the charity’s work and the need for more donors on the stem cell register.
‘I’m sure everyone will rally once more to support Mark and help us spread word of the need for stem cell donors far and wide,’
She added: ‘We especially need more young men to join because they are most likely to be chosen to donate.
‘We are urging everybody to get behind the campaign by signing up to the register if aged 16–30 or by supporting our work in lots of other ways.’
The Guernsey Friends of Anthony Nolan are holding recruitment drives on the island for people to join the Anthony Nolan register on:
Tuesday 31 July
12-2pm | Digital Greenhouse | 2 Market St | St Peter Port | GY1 1HB
5-8pm | Bels Football Club | Belgrave Wanderers Football & Sports Club | Victoria Ave | St Peter Port
Wednesday 1 August
12-2pm | Digital Greenhouse | 2 Market St | St Peter Port | GY1 1HB
5-8pm | Guernsey Post | Envoy House | La Vrangue | St Peter Port.
Anyone aged 16–30 and in good general health can join the Anthony Nolan register. It also costs £40 to recruit each potential donor to the register, so Anthony Nolan relies on financial support.
To find out how to join the Anthony Nolan register and about other ways you can support us, visit anthonynolan.org/join and share the campaign using #Match4Mark.