BonE mArrow CoulD sAvE livEs

A Peterborough man who helped save the life of a nine year-old has urged residents to donate bone marrow. Tony Blood (35) donated his bone marrow to Carl Hillis eight years ago after Carl was diagnosed with T-cell nonHodgkin’s lymphoma for a second time.

DadoftwoTonysaid:“I was a serving member in the RAF when I was a blood donor and was asked about joining the British Bone Marrow Registry. It wasn’t until I was told that I was a perfect match to a little boyin2008, I realised the enormityof whatbeingonthe register meant– the chanceto save someone’s life.”

He has now met Carl, and is treated as part of the family.

Hesaid: “Nowwemeetseveraltimesayearandbothfamilies are an extension of each other’s. He is a little brother tome, andcallsmehisbrother from another mother! Now I amadadmyselfIfullyappreciate the effect Carl’s illness had on his family and their lives. It feels amazing to know that onesimpleactcanhaveahuge effect to someone.”

Carl now aged 17, from Essex, added: “I amreally thankful to Tony for his kindness and generosity as without the transplant I might not behere today.

“He has given me t he chance to l ive a normal, healthy and fulfilling life. I am able to take part in a lot of sports such as rugby with my local club, swimmingandmotorsport. I am eternally grateful that he was on the British BoneMarrowRegistryandmy perfect match.”

For more i nformation aboutbonemarrowdonation, visit www.nhsbt.nhs.uk

Tony Blood with Carl Hillis the youngster whose life he helped save