A Gateshead dad who signed up to the stem cell register almost by chance went on to donate to a stranger – a decision that may have saved her life. Inspired by another family’s story, Paul Parkinson acted when the call finally came.
On 14 September, the Chronicle reported that Paul Parkinson, a father from Gateshead, had made what was described as an “amazing decision”-one that may well have saved a life.
Back in 2020, Paul and his wife joined the stem cell register run by the blood cancer charity DKMS, inspired by the story of ex-footballer and reality TV star Ashley Cain and his daughter Azaylia Diamond, who was diagnosed with leukaemia as a toddler and tragically died. After signing up, they largely forgot about it.
The charity later sent Paul a couple of times emails he didn’t even open. But when DKMS phoned him at work, he finally paid attention. A staff member explained that a blood cancer patient undergoing treatment needed a stem cell transplant, and Paul was a match.
Paul quickly made up his mind to help. He said:
“It was surprising getting the call. I’d sort of forgotten about joining the register, so it took a minute to get my head around it. As soon as I realised what was being asked, I was very happy to help. I knew when I signed up that if I could be the one to help someone, I’d be very glad to do it.”
At age 38, while working as a residential property surveyor, Paul donated stem cells to a complete stranger and may well have saved her life.
Reflecting on the experience, Paul explained:
“The whole process was very simple. I had to do some self-injections for a few days before, which was the hardest part. I’ve never liked needles, but my wife was able to do that bit for me. The company I work for were really supportive, so I finished a bit early the day before the donation and headed down to Sheffield with my wife and my son.
“There was a hotel for us the night before, and I turned up to the hospital early to get started. I was a bit nervous, but I’d been shown the machine during the medical check-up, so I knew what to expect. Once I was hooked up to the machine, it just did its thing – the blood went out one arm and then went back in the other. It was done in about 5 hours. I was tired afterwards, maybe a bit lightheaded, but overall it was totally fine.”
DKMS Blood Cancer Charity
According to DKMS, a blood stem cell transplant can be lifesaving, but the donor’s cells must be genetically very similar to the patient’s. Only around one in three patients find a match within their family, so donor registers help connect patients with unrelated donors worldwide.
Donating is entirely voluntary and unpaid, though DKMS covers expenses linked to medical checks and the donation itself.
Eligibility in the UK:
- Aged 17–55 (you can donate until age 61 if already registered)
- Living in the UK
- BMI under 40
- In good general health
- Must pass a detailed health questionnaire
Donating through the NHS
You can also join the stem cell register or donate through the NHS:
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDER
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