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Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma News - Return to News Menu
Gary is all smiles as he finds bone marrow match
By Vikki Thomas
Nov 18 2004
LAST Monday Gary Mitchell was in a state of depression. By the next day he was popping champagne corks. Gary, an Ashtead resident, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and chronic lymphatic leukaemia in April this year. He has been crossing his fingers that a suitable bone marrow donor be found which would give him the best chance of survival.
But on Monday November 8, he was told there were no matches for him in the UK. "It was the lowest I have ever been since I was diagnosed," said Gary. "I was so depressed." But just the next day, Gary was told there were 13 potential matches outside the UK. Ten are in America, one in Italy, one in Germany and one in Finland.
"I was in a state of elation when I found out," he said. "There were always uncertainties of whether there would be a match. "I know we're not out the woods yet but we have got positive news, Father-of-two Gary, who lives in West Farm Close, explained that although the potential matches had been found, there was still a desperate need for more people to step forward and register.
He said: "When you think there are eight and a half million people on the register and only 13 are a match for me, it shows more people are needed." The potential donors will now be contacted to see if they all still want to donate their bone marrow and if so, more tests will be carried out. Gary doesn't expect to hear any further news until the end of the month.
But if good fortune goes his way, he could be in hospital over December. Asked if he has been touched by the support he and his wife Mary have received, Gary said they have been "overwhelmed". "Everybody has rallied round. Just to know they are there has been great."
* After reading Gary's story in the Leatherhead Advertiser in September, he was contacted by the Leatherhead Round Table and invited to their firework display at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre on November 6. There, he gave an interview about his illness on the PA system.
Throughout the UK, the Round Table has teamed up with the Anthony Nolan Trust under the banner of "I need a man" campaign. Kevin Marriott, from the Round Table, said: "Reading the story of Gary Mitchell has made us want to help even more." They are now helping to organise donor clinics across the county and there will be one at Ashtead Cricket Club, Woodfield Lane on Thursday December 9 from 6pm to 9pm. Mr Marriott said: "Anyone can register online. We're trying to fit everyone in time slots so they don't have to wait around."
For more information go to www.leatherheadroundtable.co.uk
You must be between 18 and 40 to register as a bone marrow donor, be in good general health, weigh more than eight stone and be willing to help save the life of any patient you may match.
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