Former postal worker appeals for donor who could save him
PEOPLE aged 16-30, especially men, are being encouraged to join a national stem cell register when a UK charity visits the island at the end of the month.
Anthony Nolan will be coming to the island on 31 July to help find a match for islander Mark Fallaize, 53, who needs a transplant urgently after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.
The transplant would help to rebuild his immune system so he can fight infection and disease.
Anthony Nolan will be holding recruitment events on Tuesday 31 July and Wednesday 1 August.
On the 31st, the Anthony Nolan team will be at the Digital Greenhouse from noon-2pm and at the Belgrave Football & Sports Club in Victoria Avenue from 5-8pm.
The following day, the events will be at the Digital Greenhouse from noon-2pm and Envoy House, Guernsey Post’s HQ, from 5-8pm.
Mr Fallaize, a Guernsey Post employee for 31 years, was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in May 2016 and was treated with three courses of chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital.
Earlier this year, during a routine check-up, his blood cell levels were found to have deteriorated and he was sent back to Southampton.
He now needs a stem cell transplant as soon as possible.
‘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 – especially when I’m not around.’ he said.
‘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.’
He urged people to support the recruitment events.
‘It’s a straightforward procedure if you’re ever called up to donate.
‘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.’
The testing process will be a simple swab on the inside of the mouth and a commitment to donate if a match is found.
Rebecca Sedgwick, national register development manager at Anthony Nolan, said islanders ‘had 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 said.
‘We especially need more young men to join because they are most likely to be chosen to donate.’
n Anyone aged 16-30 and in good general health can join the Anthony Nolan register.
