A rare cancer shows the value of blood donors
When Graham was diagnosed with Myelodysplasia (a rare form of bone marrow cancer) last year, he quickly discovered how much he depended on donated blood.
As his haemoglobin levels fell, fatigue made even basic tasks difficult, and transfusions became essential.
'I'd never given blood and had never really thought about it,' he says. 'But the transfusions kept me going.'
In February this year, Graham underwent a stem cell transplant at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, using cells from a 30‑year‑old UK donor. The treatment required further blood support and weeks in isolation. Recovery has been tough: weight loss, another hospital stay, and ongoing weakness. But early signs show the donor cells are starting to produce healthy bone marrow.
Today, on his 71st birthday, Graham is clear‑eyed about what made it possible.
'I only now realise how important it is that people donate. I wouldn’t have got through this without those transfusions and the stem cell donor. I'm very grateful.'
Happy birthday from all of us at at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Graham.
- Make an appointment to give blood online - alternatively, call us on 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)