Alex's story - fundraising for Anthony Nolan

Alex McLaughlin donated his stem cells in 2012 and has since completed a 100-mile cycle ride to raise money for Anthony Nolan.

Alex McLaughlin is a student cardiac physiologist at University Hospital Southampton. He joined the Anthony Nolan register in his first year of university in 2012 and went on to donate his stem cells to a patient in need.

‘The whole process was easier than I expected - it was just like giving blood but just a bit longer really – the time flew by though. I was looked after so well, the hospital staff were amazing – I was treated like a god!

‘Anthony Nolan has sent me an update every year since saying my patient is alive and well. It’s an amazing feeling to know they are alive from something that I did and found a breeze.’

In summer 2016, Alex completed the Prudential Ride London 100-mile bike ride for Anthony Nolan, raising more than £800 to help recruit more donors to the register and thank the charity for giving him the chance to save a stranger’s life.

‘I was looking for a challenge and I got an email from Anthony Nolan and it inspired me to sign up. It’s something I felt I couldn’t do before but when I started getting tired I thought about the person who got my stem cells and that definitely helped me keep going.

‘I’ve directly seen the impact of the funds for this charity and how much it can change lives. The work definitely needs to be supported. It feels like I can give something back and fund more donors in the future. Someone else can go through the donation process if I raise these funds – I want to keep the good domino effect going.’

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