Cowbridge man supports blood platelet donation campaign – By MARCUS STEAD:
An avid runner from Cowbridge is calling on more people to donate blood, platelets and bone marrow after being diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.
Gethin Charles, 46, was an active member of the Cowbridge Moovers running group for many years and became concerned when he noticed a slow decline in his running times and shortness of breath when exercising.
Within hours of making a call to his GP, Gethin was sent to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend to receive blood and platelet transfusions for the first time.
Gethin was later diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a rare and serious blood disorder affecting around 150 people each year in the UK.
Within three months, Gethin had received more than 30 transfusions of blood and platelets to help temporarily boost the number of cells in his body to an acceptable level.
Gethin is now calling on more people to come forward and support patients by donating with the Welsh Blood Service: “I don’t know what would happen to me if it wasn’t for donors coming forward to donate blood and platelets.
“I’m so glad there are people who have already donated as it’s made my life more comfortable in the periods before I get my treatment to cure the disease.
“It’s really important for people to donate because you’ll never know when you or your family will need it,” he said.
Most patients with aplastic anaemia will require a bone marrow transplant to overcome the disease, but there are some manufactured medicines which can be used.
Welsh Blood Service director Alan Prosser is urging more people to come forward as donors. He said: “Thanks to the generosity of donors giving up their time, Gethin and patients just like him can receive the vital blood and platelet transfusions they need.
“Unfortunately, when it comes to bone marrow donations, three in 10 patients across the world do not find the suitable match they desperately need. We’ve recently launched a swab kit for anyone aged 17-30 who would like to join our Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
“These new kits are delivered right to your door, allowing those who don’t donate with us to sign up easily.”
Gethin has a lifelong relationship with the Scouts in Cowbridge after joining at just eight years old before becoming a uniform leader around 25 years ago: “In Scouts, we always say ‘leave the place better than you found it’, and I want to do the same with the generous donations I’ve received.
“I want to give back. I can’t do it myself because I’ve had transfusions, so I hope sharing my story will encourage others to consider donating,” he said.
To find out more about donating blood, platelets and bone marrow, please visit welshblood.org.uk
🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 25.08.22. Read it in print first!
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