Bone marrow donor leads campaign

Published on Friday 17 April 2009 09:48

A CAMPAIGN to secure more bone marrow donors in West Lothian is to use the example of a local man to promote it.

The Anthony Nolan Trust will stage a donor recruitment session in Whitburn later this month.

It hopes, with the help of 46-year-old Shaw McIntyre from the town, more people will take a brief blood test and sign up to the list.

Mr McIntyre became a bone marrow donor in 1996, and years later was united with the girl whose life he saved. American Rachel Rack, now 16, was only ten months old when her leukaemia meant she needed a transplant, and in 2007 the Virginia teenager travelled across the Atlantic to Scotland to meet the man who saved her life.

Mr McIntyre, who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity over the years, said: "Finding out I was a match for someone who needed a bone marrow transplant was a bit of a shock and very emotional but I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

"Not only have I helped Rachel recover from leukaemia but both of our families have developed a special bond which is fantastic.

"I cannot stress enough, if you are able to join the register, you should."

The recruitment session will take place at Lodge Polkemmet on East Main Street on April 26 from 11am until 2pm.