Adrian Thompson from Cockermouth in Cumbria joined the bone marrow register over 10 years ago after a friend was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Adiran, 45, says 'I’d forgotten about it until I got the call. My main worry was finding the time, but this became a priority as it was someone’s future.'
As a vicar, Adrian is used to teaching others about giving, 'It’s the idea that we can give of ourselves and help each other in different ways. Donating stem cells seems to be one exciting and very practical means of offering help.'
Adrian described the process as 'trouble free' and says 'It wasn’t demanding at all and I’m delighted to say I’ve done it.'
'It’s been a real privilege. I donated to a stranger and I may never know who they are, but I’ve given them a chance and that is an incredible feeling.'
Adrian says it was important to try and view the situation from the recipient’s point of view. 'I found that if I simple imagined myself as being in their shoes, then this helped me with my decision to donate. I hope and pray they’re getting on well.'
Ann O’Leary, Head of Register Development at Anthony Nolan, says, 'Adrian has done an incredible and selfless thing in donating his bone marrow to someone in desperate need of a transplant. We urgently need more men like Adrian to join the register as they are the most likely to be chosen to donate.'
Find out more about joining the register.