In this episode I chatted with Donor Recruitment Manager and Lead Organiser of The Big Cheekender, Natasha Reid and PR and Media Officer, Bronagh Hughes from DKMS. We talked about their roles within the charity and their big event coming up on 27 and 28 September, the Big Cheekender! We also chatted more generally about Blood Cancer Awareness Month, their current campaign ‘Listen To Your Aunties’ about creating a more diverse stem cell register and the importance of being part of a chain of hope, when you join the register. I’m very grateful to my guests, Natasha and Bronagh from the DKMS charity and if you are taking part in the Big Cheekender at the weekend, good luck! You can find out more about The Big Cheekender, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, stem cell donation and becoming a stem cell donor at www.dkms.org.uk. Thank you for listening.    

In this episode I spoke with Andrew Foster about the stem cell journey and subsequent loss of his son, Rycroft at sixteen months, who had a rare inherited condition, called Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. At the time we recorded this, it was only nine months after Rycroft had died and as you might imagine, it’s an emotional and heartfelt discussion. Andrew is a passionate campaigner for change and we talked about the importance of education and the opportunity to drive up the numbers of people of the stem cell register in the UK and beyond. For listeners who are coming to terms with loss or who are in early stages of grief, a great resource for those needing support is www.thegoodgrieftrust.org You can find out more about Rycroft’s story at www.rycroftforever.com It's always a privilege to speak to my guests and hear their inspiring stories. Since recording, Andrew and his wife, Catherine have welcomed a baby girl to their family, Seraphina. Andrew has also been campaigning tirelessly for change through the family’s campaign, Rycroft Forever; and thanks to Andrew, DKMS are currently working closely with the London Broncos to encourage young Rugby teams to sign up to the stem cell register.    

In this episode, recorded at the end of last year, I chatted with Liam Rooney, Patient and Families Manager and Car T Cell Therapy Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emily John, both from Anthony Nolan. We discussed the important roles they play within Anthony Nolan and the important work AN does with and for families in providing support, not just for the patient, but also the families and friends who are supporting the patient going through cancer or a blood disorder. We discussed Car T Cell therapy, what it is, why and when it is used and the difference between Car T cell therapy and chemotherapy in terms of treatment for cancer and blood disorders. Finally, we discussed a project Anthony Nolan has been focusing on around bereavement and grief and the impact grief has on the families and friends left behind and how the charity hopes to be able to offer more services to families who have lost loved ones on the pathway to stem cell transplant or car T cell therapy. I’m so grateful, as always to my guests for their time, lively and informative discussion and compassionate conversation around some difficult and complex topics. If you are interested in reaching out to Anthony Nolan for any help, guidance or assistance, you can contact them on 0303 303 0303 or, particularly if you are interested in speaking to someone around the grief and bereavement project, please email involve@anthonynolan.org You can find out more about the charity, getting involved and signing up to the stem cell register here at www.anthonynolan.org

In this episode I spoke with Charis Ober - Executive Director and Founder of the Save the Cord Foundation based in Tucson, Arizona. We chatted about the history of the Foundation, the importance of cord blood and all the possibilities for saving a life, including through regenerative medicine and stem cell transplants. We also heard about the brand new educational programme, Cord Blood in the Classroom, being launched on World Cord Blood Day on 15 November 2024. I hope you enjoy the listen. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to speak with my guests on this podcast and I hope you find this an inspiring listen. Useful links are below: https://www.savethecordfoundation.org/  https://www.nextgenerationcordblood.org/  https://www.worldcordbloodday.org/   

In this episode, I chatted with Yaser Martini, Founder of the Team Margot Foundation. Yaser’s daughter, Margot was just a few months old, when she was diagnosed with blood cancer and needed a stem cell transplant. Due to her mixed heritage, opportunities to find a donor match were slim, so Team Margot was set up and focused on blood, stem cell and organ donation for nine years, raising thousands of pounds and helping many families dealing with a similar diagnosis. We chatted about Margot’s story and legacy, the impact on families through the process of finding a donor match and dealing with the reality of cancer. We also talked about the importance of stem cell, blood and organ donation and touched on the All Party Parliamentary Group he has been involved with for change. Finally, Yaser spoke candidly about the winding down of Team Margot and his devotion to campaigning and advocacy. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to speak with my guests on this podcast and I hope you find this an inspiring listen. To find out more about the work Team Margot Foundation has achieved over nine years, please take a look at www.teammargot.com  

In this episode, I chatted with Beverley de Gale and Orin Lewis, parents of Daniel de Gale, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of six, back in 1993 and was the first black individual in the UK to receive a stem cell transplant six years later. We talked about Daniel’s story and the difficulties they faced as a family in finding him a donor match and we chatted about the need for a diverse stem cell register and for people of all ethnicities to sign up if they can. Our conversation took place earlier this summer and as Sickle Cell Awareness Month was in September, we also spoke about Sickle Cell Disorder and the impact that has on families needing urgent treatment. Bev and Orin started the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust after realising that their son, Daniel’s chances of finding a donor match were one in a quarter of a million. The work the ACLT do is incredible. I hope you enjoy the listen. You can find out more about the work the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust do and Daniel’s story at www.aclt.org It is always such a huge privilege to be able to speak with my guests and share their stories. I hope you find this conversation both interesting and inspiring. Thank you for listening.

In this episode, I talked with Martine Schuit van Reissen again, from the World Marrow Donor Association, based in the Netherlands. I also spoke with Dr Warren Fingrut, Haematologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Jeff and Susan Haertling from Marrow Mates in Florida. Jeff is a donor, himself and is Founder of Marrow Mates and Susan works as the Director of Genetic Genealogy and runs the EFDS Program. We began the episode learning about the origins of World Marrow Donor Day and how it is celebrated. Dr Fingrut then chatted about his work as a Haematologist and also the work he does with the Stem Cell Club, which he set up to raise awareness and recruit donors to the register. Jeff is a donor himself and told us about his personal and very moving donor story. His wife, Susan, then explained her work creating the Extending Family Donor Search initiative. Marrow Mates’ hopes to expand the diversity of existing donor registries to enable equal outcomes for all blood disease patients in need of a stem cell transplant. I’m very grateful to my guests today for their valuable insight and knowledge in the important topic of stem cell donation at the core of all they do. I hope you enjoy the World Marrow Donor Day celebrations and if you’re a donor, a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the families who you help. I hope this episode has inspired you to get involved and maybe sign up to the stem cell register, you could be someone’s magical match. You can find out more about World Marrow Donor Day and our guests' work through these links, here: https://worldmarrowdonorday.org/ https://wmda.info/ https://stemcellclub.ca/ https://www.marrowmates.org/  

In this episode, I spoke with Martine Schuit van Reissen and Rhian Voskamp from the World Marrow Donor Association. We chatted about everything from the importance of education, the awareness around the need and use of cord blood in stem cell donation and reaching as many people as possible around the globe to help them understand the importance of stem cell donation. The World Marrow Donor Association works with many partners across the globe to build donor registries in every country around the world. Their work is ongoing and they are an incredible, small team of dedicated professionals, working with hundreds of wonderful volunteers to connect the right people with the right organisations to bring about the best resources to enable effective support to those in need around the world. Martine and Rhian also shared their own personal stories that drive them to help others and I hope you enjoy the listen. It was, as always, a huge privilege and humbling experience to speak with these amazing people. I am so grateful to be able to engage with my guests in this manner and hope it inspires those of you who listen to these conversations, to find out more about the stem cell register and maybe sign up in the hope of helping someone else in need. You can find more about the World Marrow Donor Association here: https://wmda.info/ Thank you for listening.    

In this episode, the second part of our two parter, we continue the conversation with Lisa Gosnay. In part two, we hear about her struggles with career progression, her subsequent health issues which led to her relapse and her stem cell transplant. Lisa has a blog on Instagram which you can follow here: https://www.instagram.com/my_plan_c/#.  As always, it is a huge privilege to be able to speak with such inspirational guests on this podcast and I really do hope that this conversation inspires you, too. Please share it far and wide! Thank you for listening.  

In this episode, we hear from Lisa Gosnay, who at 29, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia. Lisa is an amazing person and has an extraordinary story. In this two-parter, we hear about her initial diagnosis and treatment. We learn about her career struggles, having been very career-focused and her determination to keep going forward, despite the impact on her health; and her ultimate acceptance of her condition. On this podcast, we usually focus on blood cancer, but this is about a blood disorder that can have a profound impact on an individual and as Lisa termed it, Aplastic Anaemia is known as the ugly sister to Leukaemia. There is a stem cell transplant in this story, but we will hear more about that part of Lisa's experience in Part Two, coming soon. As always, it is a huge privilege to be able to speak with such inspirational guests on this podcast and I really do hope that this conversation inspires you, too. Please share it far and wide! Thank you for listening.

In this episode we hear from Mike Niles, Author of 'Hard Graft,' - an incredible book combining the history and science of stem cells and donation. At its heart is a story of love and a mother's determination to save her son. You can purchase Hard Graft on Amazon. As always, it is a huge privilege to be able to speak with such inspirational guests on this podcast and I really do hope that this conversation inspires you, too. Please share it far and wide! Thank you for listening.

In this episode we hear again from Andy Mitchell, who inspired this podcast's beginning back in February 2022. We chatted about his own experience as a stem cell donor and inspiration behind the Blues V Cancer Campaign. We talked about the importance of stem cell donation and reflected on the last 19 months (this episode was recorded in September 2023). Finally, we chatted about his upcoming Fundraising Event on 24 November to raise awareness and funds for Anthony Nolan and DKMS. You can find @BluesvCancer on X / Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. You can find out more about Anthony Nolan here at www.anthonynolan.org and DKMS here at www.dkms.org.uk It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to catch up with Andy and hear his enthusiasm and commitment to raising awareness for the need for stem cell donors. If you have a moment, do connect with him on social media and follow @bluesvcancer for updates, appeals and important information. You can also find out more and sign up to become a stem cell donor with www.anthonynolan.org or www.dkms.org.uk   

In this episode we hear from Jake and Nelson Andrade. Jake was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia aged 13 years old and has undergone not one, but two stem cell transplants and has turned his experience into a book, 'My Leukaemia Fight.' You can find out more about Jake and purchase his book here at www.jakeandrade.co.uk As always, it is a huge privilege to be able to speak with such inspirational guests on this podcast and I really do hope that this conversation inspires you, too. Please share it far and wide! Thank you for listening.

In this episode, we hear from Louise Stevens, a mum of three boys, who talks candidly and openly about the loss of her four year old son, Jack, to JMML and the charity she set up with her husband, Gary in his honour, to help bereaved families. She also speaks about her campaigning for change in Australia to make it easier to join the stem cell register there and donate. You can find out more about her work here at www.foreverfour.com.au and can sign up in Australia with www.strengthtogive.org.au  As always, it is a huge privilege to be able to speak with such inspirational guests on this podcast and I really do hope that this conversation inspires you, too. Please share it far and wide! Thank you for listening.  

In this episode we hear from Ellie Moss, Donor Recruitment Co-ordinator - Follow-up / Patient Donor Contact with DKMS. We talked the huge impact that the extraordinary people who sign up to the stem cell register have on the people waiting for a stem cell transplant, the role she has within the organisation, the personal and emotional aspects of donating and all that happens after, when a donor and recipient meet. It was a real privilege, as always, to speak with my guest and I'm grateful for Ellie's lively and informative, very human conversation around this topic. DKMS began after Peter Harf's wife, Mechtild Harf was told the only treatment for her leukaemia was a bone marrow transplant. At the time, she had no matching family members. On 28 May 1991, Peter founded DKMS with his wife’s transplant physician, Gerhard Ehninger. In their first year, they expanded the registry to 68,000 donors. After Mechtild sadly passed away, Peter and daughter, Katharina continued to be motivated by Mechtild and by 1995, they built DKMS into the world’s largest stem cell donor register. DKMS celebrate 10 years in the UK this year and continue to work hard to raise awareness and bring more people to the stem cell register. You can find out more about DKMS and signing up to the stem cell register at www.dkms.org.uk  

In this episode, we hear from Pete McCleave who was diagnosed with myeloma in 2016. He talks candidly about his own diagnosis and his drive to find a donor and effect change for others. We hear about his campaigns, 10,000 Donors and #GobForGood, the importance of a diverse stem cell register and the impact a cancer diagnosis has on the immediate family. You can find out more about Pete his campaigns here at:  https://www.10000donors.com/ and https://gobforgood.com/ As always, it is a huge privilege to be able to speak with such inspirational guests on this podcast and I really do hope that this conversation inspires you, too. Please share it far and wide! Thank you for listening.  

In this episode we hear from Caroline Richardson, Head of Fundraising and Georgina Brookes, Community & Events Fundraising Manager from DKMS. We talked about the crucial role fundraisers play in the work of DKMS; and the stories of hope behind fundraisers' motivation. It was a real privilege, as always, to speak with my guests and I'm grateful for their time and expertise. DKMS began after Peter Harf's wife, Mechtild Harf was told the only treatment for her leukaemia was a bone marrow transplant. At the time, she had no matching family members. On 28 May 1991, Peter founded DKMS with his wife’s transplant physician, Gerhard Ehninger. In their first year, they expanded the registry to 68,000 donors. After Mechtild sadly passed away, Peter and daughter, Katharina continued to be motivated by Mechtild and by 1995, they built DKMS into the world’s largest stem cell donor register. DKMS celebrate 10 years in the UK this year and continue to work hard to raise awareness and bring more people to the stem cell register. You can find out more about DKMS and signing up to the stem cell register at www.dkms.org.uk  

In this episode, Femi Ishola takes us through his experience as a stem cell donor. Femi speaks with warmth and passion about donating earlier this year in 2022 and candidly about his desire to 'raise our game' for getting the message out there to all communities about the need for stem cell donors and bringing more people to the stem cell register. We also discussed some of the myths and misunderstandings around stem cell donation and Femi encourages everyone to ask questions and get in touch with the charities who can help, ie www.anthonynolan.org, www.aclt.org, www.dkms.org.uk or www.bethematch.org. I hope you enjoy this episode.     Magical Match Podcast is an Oh Beehive! Production, originally inspired by a conversation with Andy Mitchell and other like-minded individuals. Hosted and produced by Ginny Walker with audio production by James Walker and music by Cobalt Ocean.

In this episode we hear from Charlotte Cunliffe, Head of Register Development with Anthony Nolan, Sabrina Jarrett, National Development Manager with the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust and Krishna Gokani, Volunteer with the National Marrow Programme through Anthony Nolan. Anthony Nolan is the charity that makes lifesaving connections between patients in need and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells. Shirley Nolan founded the charity in 1974 and her son, Anthony's legacy has given hope and a second chance of life to thousands of blood cancer and blood disorder patients. In 1999 Daniel De-Gale became the first black individual in the UK to receive a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor. After Daniel passed away, his parents, Beverley De-Gale and Orin Lewis made a conscious decision to continue the work of ACLT, keeping Daniel’s legacy alive and saving many more lives in his name. We talked about donor recruitment, the process and the ways people are recruited to the register and the important partnerships with ACLT and the Marrow Programme and how they work in educating and inspiring more people from all communities to sign up. It was a real privilege, as always, to speak with people with so much knowledge around the topic of stem cell donation and I'm profoundly grateful for my guests' time and responses to the many questions put to them. You can find out more about Anthony Nolan at www.anthonynolan.org You can find out more about the Marrow Programme through Anthony Nolan via this link here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/volunteer-find-your-lifesaving-role/youth-volunteering/marrow You can find out more about the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust here: www.aclt.org  

In this episode we hear from Anthony Nolan Healthcare Professionals, Rachel Miller - Lead Nurse with Anthony Nolan, based in the London offices, Kelly Statham-Gill, Clinical Nurse Specialist based at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Dr Jenna Love - Clinical Psychologist based at St George's Hospital, London. Anthony Nolan is the charity that makes lifesaving connections between patients in need and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells. Shirley Nolan founded the charity in 1974 and her son, Anthony's legacy has given hope and a second chance of life to thousands of blood cancer and blood disorder patients. We discussed what happens when people get blood cancer. We talked about the process of a stem cell transplant, the importance of psychologists in the process for patients, their families and also the staff. We also chatted about fertility and the importance of signing up as a stem cell donor. It was a real privilege as always to speak with people with so much knowledge around the topic and I'm profoundly grateful for my guests' time and responses to the many questions put to them. You can find out more about Anthony Nolan at www.anthonynolan.org