‘Join the stem cell register to help find a match for my mum’s transplant’

ADAM LEVINSON has issued a heartfelt plea for more Jews to join the stem cell register in a bid to boost the search for a transplant match for his mother, Hilary.

Leeds-based Mrs Levinson, 62, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in September. After intensive chemotherapy, she has been told by doctors that she urgently requires new stem cells from a matching donor.

A suitable donor will most likely be found within the Jewish community.

“She was told a stem cell transplant would be her best chance of a cure but we haven’t found one yet and time is ticking,” Mr Levinson said.

“The best chance she has of a match is someone who is 18-30 years old so I am reaching out to the Jewish community to see if we can find people who haven’t already registered.”

Family members have been tested but were only a 50-per-cent match.

“I want to raise more awareness,” he added. “I wasn’t aware of the need for more donors until my mum was diagnosed.”

Mrs Levinson recently became a grandmother and her son is desperate for her to be around to get to know her grandson.

“We want her to grow old getting to know Jacob. He is only ten weeks old and she loves seeing him already.

“She has been very brave throughout her treatment despite it being a really hard time for her and the family.

“The more awareness we create, the better chance we have.”

For more information about becoming a donor, go to https://www.anthonynolan. org/8-ways-you-could-save-life/donateyour-stem-cells/who-can-join-register