Hope, strength, and giving back

At just 39, Nurse of the Year nominee Rachael Nixon is fighting for her life.

Diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called Myelofibrosis, Rachael has received over 30 blood transfusions in the last six months. These transfusions have been her lifeline as she waited for a stem cell transplant.

On 28th May, Rachael was admitted to hospital to start treatment, and she has now had her stem cell transplants. However, the road to recovery is long and Rachael now needs up to three blood transfusions a day to help her get better. 

But Rachael’s story is not just about survival. It’s about hope, advocacy, and giving back.

While waiting for a stem cell transplant Rachael worked with the stem cell donor registry DKMS to raise donation awareness. Her campaign inspired over 3,000 new registrations, leading to two potential matches.

Rachael’s strength is mirrored in her daughter, Daisy. Born in September 2023 weighing just 1lb 12oz, Daisy too needed a blood transfusion to survive.

Despite her own battles, Rachael continues to care for others. A paediatric nurse, she’s been nominated for the Royal College of Nursing Scotland Nurse of the Year People’s Choice Award, the ceremony for which takes place at National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh tonight. Rachael dreams of returning to nursing - perhaps even as a transplant nurse - once she recovers.

 Rachael’s story is a powerful reminder: every donation saves lives. Hers. Daisy’s. And countless others. 

• Can you help someone like Rachel? Make an appointment to give blood online.
• Alternatively, call us on 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)