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On my return from a work trip to Africa I became unwell. My wife contacted the Liverpool Tropical School of Medicine to ask for advice. They ask for me to attend the hospital that day, to be examined and for blood samples to be taken. A follow up appointment was made that day at Arrowe Park Hospital Haematology Department to see a consultant. The result of the blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed my diagnosis of Myelofibrosis - a very rare blood cancer. 

Between 1999 - 2010 the condition was contained by medication, regular consultant appointments, monitoring blood results, size of spleen and bone marrow function. 

From 2010 - 2016 my condition deteriorated rapidly. I was blood transfusion dependant. During this period I felt extremely tired and very restricted day to day in what I was able to do. Due to the dramatic increase in the size of my spleen, coupled with my dependancy on transfusions and the progression of the disease. My future was dependant on a bone marrow transplant and measures were taken to find a donor through the Anthony Nolan Trust.

In 2015 we received the fantastic news that donor had been found with the critical 10/10 match needed for transplant. 

I was admitted into the Royal Liverpool Teaching Hospital on 29th December 2015. I received my transplant Friday 8th January 2016 at 3:15pm. 

I remained in hospital for a further eight weeks in isolation and under strict observation awaiting my new blood cells to develop. The care and support I received during this time from all the staff at the Royal was exceptional and played a vital part in my recovery.

I am six years post transplant next January and my outcome is positive. I continue to receive treatment on a regular basis and my quality of life has greatly improved. 

I am very grateful to the wonderful team who cared for me throughout this ongoing journey and my wish is to raise money for the Bloom Appeal. This Charity was  set up in 2014, at the Royal, specifically for Blood Cancer support.