Porthcawl sportsman spearheads stem cell appeal
Aston was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer.
A YOUNG Porthcawl sportsman is spearheading a Welsh Blood Service campaign to expand a stem cell registry.
To coincide with World Cancer Day (4th February), the ‘Aston’s Army’ campaign tells the story of Aston Bevington and aims to encourage more people to sign up to the Welsh Blood Service’s stem cell registry to find a match for Aston and patients like him.
Aston, a 16-year-old student from Porthcawl with a passion for football and rugby, was diagnosed on 10th December 2024 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive cancer.
Aston’s mother, Sian Mansell, father, Jason Bevington and stepfather, Nathan Strong, are leading the call for more 16 to 30-year-olds to join Welsh Blood Service’s Registry as a potential match for Aston.
“His doctor called and told me it was cancer and he needed to go to hospital urgently. My heart completely shattered,” mum Sian said.
Aston was initially diagnosed with glandular fever, but his condition continued to deteriorate. The family became increasingly concerned when Aston began to feel exhausted, nauseous and swelling spread to other parts of his body. Additional tests revealed the devastating diagnosis.
He was blue lighted into Noah’s Ark Hospital in Cardiff where he began an intensive chemotherapy regime. Due to Aston’s illness, a stem cell transplant (also known as a bone marrow transplant) is being considered to help him overcome the disease.
Aston’s father, Jason, has expressed his gratitude for the support they’ve already received from the public, hoping this will encourage more people to join the stem cell register. “The support of the sports communities has been absolutely incredible, from celebrity messages wishing him a happy birthday to his hometown rugby club, Porthcawl RFC, shaving their heads!”
“It has been made abundantly clear to us and most definitely to Aston that he is not fighting this battle alone. He has a whole army behind him.” Sian added.
Aston’s dream of becoming a professional athlete is temporarily on hold as he undergoes treatment and searches for a donor match. He’s already had success at youth level, playing academy football since he was five, starting with Swansea City AFC and most recently playing with Pontardawe Town AFC.
Aston may face a difficult choice between a future in football or rugby as his rugby talents have also been recognised, with a call-up to the Ospreys academy after successful stints with Porthcawl RFC and Bridgend District.
“Finding a donor would give Aston the chance to get back to doing what he loves, playing football, rugby and being with his family and friends.” said stepdad Nathan, highlighting the importance of finding a stem cell match.
Alan Prosser, Welsh Blood Service Director, said: “Many people with Aston’s condition will go on to need a stem cell transplant, which offers the best chance of a long-term cure.
“You could be the one person in the world with a suitable match for Aston or someone just like him, and that’s why we need more people to sign up to our registry. If you’re 16 to 30-years-old, or 16 to 45-years-old if you’re from a Black, Asian, mixed heritage or minority ethnic background, you may be able to join.
“Modern medicine has revolutionised how we collect stem cells, if you were a match, almost all donations are now collected over several hours using a machine which takes your stem cells from your blood stream and returns all the other cells, allowing for a quick recovery.
“Whether you’re eligible to sign up or know someone who might be, please talk to young people about this life-changing registry and help more patients in need like Aston.”
A video featuring Aston’s family has been made to help raise awareness of the campaign. It can be viewed on: English –https://youtu.be/6tJXZLf_cd4 and in Welsh – https://youtu.be/JuIj8umCCGY
For more information, go to http://www.wbs.wales/AstonsArmy
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