A MUM has made a heartfelt plea for a stem cell donor for her son who has been diagnosed with cancer six times in the last five years, but is now on his “last chance” following a relapse.
Alex Nicholson, from Vange, was first diagnosed with blood cancer in 2016, but the latest devastating news has left the 24-year-old with nowhere to turn.
He’s now relying on a stem cell donor matching with his to allow him to have a life-saving transplant.
Alex has already had endless chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants which failed to cure him.
READ MORE:
- Cars blocked in garages by pink sacks in yet more rubbish chaos
- Disabled woman 'back in lockdown' with lift broken for six weeks
He was also put into an induced coma in January 2020 for a week following a strong dose of chemotherapy.
His mum Debbie, 48, is pleading with donors to come forward.
She said: “It’s his last chance now.
“The doctors haven’t told us how long he’s got left, we just don’t know.
“The doctors have tried everything, but it just keeps coming back.
“It’s heartbreaking, but we’re trying to stay as optimistic as possible.
“Alex is really positive, and that really helps me too.”
Alex, a passionate West Ham fan, starts his latest round of chemotherapy today.
The treatment won’t cure him, but will fight off the disease as long as possible.
Ms Nicholson added: “It’s been really tough.
“I donated some of my stem cells in 2017 as I was a 50 per cent match, but the cancer just returned.
“There is a glimmer of hope and one more chance with an unrelated stem cell donor.”
The Leukaemia Cancer Society has also shared the appeal.
Mr Nicholson, added: “It’s not just for people like me, I would urge anyone to donate.
“It could save someone’s life, like mine.
“Me and mum are really close, and that’s really helped us try and stay as positive as possible.“My brother has a season ticket at West Ham, and I sometimes go along with him.”
To donate stem cells, which replenish after a few weeks, you can visit the Leukaemia Cancer Society’s website.
There are three registers in the UK, these include Anthony Nolan, for those aged between 16 and 30.
DKMS, for those aged between 17 and 55, and the British Bone Marrow Register, for those aged between 17 and 40.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel