ABM operating theatre worker to donate bone marrow to leukaemia victim.

After a world-wide search to find a bone marrow match for a leukaemia victim from Bratislava, a theatre support worker at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, South Wales has been asked to help save his life.

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board staff member Gavin Lewis, from Kenfig Hill, has been on the bone marrow donor register for several years, and was shocked and delighted when he got a call asking him if he could now donate.

During his time in the armed forces, Gavin realised the importance of giving blood regularly. That conviction grew even stronger in his role as a theatre support worker, which highlights daily the vital role donor blood plays in so many operations.

He said:

"I've always given blood - its the easiest thing to do, so I put my name down on the bone marrow transplant register about six years ago and forgot all about it. I didnt really think I'd be a match for anyone.

"So when I received the letter from the Welsh Blood Service explaining how my bone marrow could help this young man, I was over the moon. It,s incredible to think that I am the missing jigsaw puzzle that could really help save a life. It's such a great feeling."

Family man Gavin, then had to explain to his children Katie 15 and Megan 11 all about the procedure.

"The kids were great and my wife Nicola is 100% behind me. It's all about giving something back. If you can help then you must do what you can, and in my case its giving a 21-year-old man, who has cancer, some of my bone marrow or possibly stem cells.

"I dont know him, but that doesnt matter. It could be anyone of my family or your family that needs help."

Watch the next video catching up with Gavin to find out how he got on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpmIZUakpW0

ABM website: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/863/

Welsh blood service: http://www.welsh-blood.org.uk/English/index.asp

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• blood donor
• Bone marrow
• leukaemia
• NHS
• NHS Wales
• ABM
• Abertawe Bro Morgannwg
• Operating theatre assistant
• Surgery
• donor
• Princess of Wales

[taniacoolt]

Indeed appreciative :) :)