Brad Green, 31, from Sheffield, has made headlines by becoming one of only 0.7% of stem cell donors to have donated twice, significantly helping to save the lives of two individuals over the past decade. His inspiring story began when he joined the Anthony Nolan stem cell register at the age of 20 after witnessing the devastating effects of leukaemia on the father of one of his school friends. Green's selfless actions have drawn attention to the urgent need for stem cell donations, highlighting the difference they can make.
When Green received the call just two weeks after signing up to the register, he was shocked to learn he was a match for someone on the transplant list. "I was at college about two weeks after joining and the phone rang – I understood it was rare, but certainly didn’t expect a call within two weeks," Green recalled. He quickly put his personal plans on hold, delaying his 21st birthday celebrations to make the donation. "I just remembered thinking, ‘God, how easy was it?’" he added, reflecting on his experience.
The anonymity of the donation process meant Green initially didn't know who received his stem cells. That recipient was John Herries, who had been diagnosed with an aggressive type of blood cancer. After they exchanged letters, the two eventually met and have maintained contact ever since. Herries, now 59 and a beach lifeguard from north Devon, expressed gratitude for Green’s generous act. "It was a real pleasure to meet Brad and his parents. We’re genetic twins so it was interesting to see if we looked the same – we didn’t," Herries said, highlighting the unique bond they share.
Herries's marathon battle with cancer included 18 continuous cycles of chemotherapy, which proved ineffective. After some time, genetic tests revealed his cancer was resistant to treatment. Eventually, he found success with an immunomodulatory drug and radiotherapy, which allowed him to proceed with the stem cell transplant he received from Green in August 2015. "I’m still alive, had no serious problems with the transplant and recovery," Herries shared, noting the antibodies Green passed on even helped him with vaccinations he could not personally receive.
Earlier this year, nearly ten years after his first donation, Green received another call from Anthony Nolan. This time, he was informed he was a match for another recipient, who remains anonymous. Surprised yet flattered to be selected again, he said, "It blew my mind... I assumed it was for the same person. But they were like, ‘no, it’s somebody completely different.’" The magnitude of being a second match was not lost on him. "I thought, ‘Oh God, is it John again? Does he need it again?’"
Green lamented the anonymity of his second donation, admitting there would be no chance to meet the new recipient, unlike with Herries. "I did let John know about donating again, and he was chuffed to hear it. He was sort of saying ‘genetic triplets’, if you like," he joked. Nonetheless, this second donation emphasizes the rarity in the system, as very few donors reach the milestone of helping two different patients.
Reflecting on his experiences, Green expressed his eagerness to continue making such life-saving donations. "For me, it was just so easy for what you’re actually getting in return, which is potentially giving somebody a load more years of life with family and friends," he explained. He wishes the guidelines allowed for more than two donations, reinforcing his commitment to helping others: "I can’t do it a third time, but I would do it three, four, five times over if it was possible."
Following these heartwarming stories, it is evident how significant stem cell donations can be, often turning despairing medical situations around. Green's altruism stands as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to register as donors and illustrating how one person's decision can transform lives. Donations like Green’s are pivotal; they show the extraordinary outcomes stem cell donation can yield, offering those fighting illnesses like cancer a second chance at life.
