Adrian Sudbury was a reporter for both the Huddersfield Express and Chronicle Series and the Huddersfield Examiner. In November 2006 the 25-year-old was promoted to digital journalist, effectively editing the new-look Examiner website.
Just two days into his new role he became seriously ill and called in sick. A week later he drove himself to A&E and was eventually diagnosed with leukaemia.
It was then identified that he actually had two distinct types of the disease running at the same time. According to the medical literature he was the only person in the world to have this condition. As such, it was not possible to offer Adrian a prognosis.
Here he shared his experiences of the disease and his treatment up until his passing.I think it's fair to say that went pretty well.
This is what I set out to achieve - the introduction of a 40 minute talk to 17/18 year olds about blood, bone marrow and organ donation.
I firmly believe that if our young adults are given all the facts about these important issues many more will go on to become donors themselves.
Backed by the Huddersfield Examiner and local MP Kali Mountford I honestly believe this can happen.
While I was in London the Anthony Nolan Trust told me the numbers waiting for bone marrow transplants had actually increased.
They are currently trying to find matches for 16,000 requests, mainly from the UK, but also for patients around the world.
Without matches these people will die.
As well as meeting Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss this idea, I was also able to chat with the Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Education Secretary Ed Balls.
I must say a big thank you to Kali. Her desire to help and to actually arrange these meetings was incredible and I am hugely grateful for all her considerable efforts.
This then is the story of a crazy couple of days and me being an outrageous media whore.
I drove down to London on Saturday in preparation for a busy week ahead. I had always planned to do this, no matter what the outcome of my treatment had been - good or bad.
In the UK there is a huge problem with the perception of bone marrow donation. No one seems to know much about it at all.
I enjoyed the FA Cup final with some beers and some dirty take away food. Forget smoked eels at Gordon Ramsey's - sometimes kebab meat and chips are just what you need.
Sunday and Monday were taken up with organisation calls and emails.
It was on Tuesday that things really started to kick off.
Much of the morning was spent in north London filming pre-recorded bits for BBC Breakfast.
It was the phone that was the problem - it never stopped ringing.
I'd answer one call then have voice mails waiting once I'd finished. I'd listen to them then a further six had come in while I was listening to the first lot.
At one point my friend Caroline from the Anthony Nolan Trust (Shown in the picture above) helped me out while I was filming. Apparently one researcher asked her if she was my PA!
I got in a taxi to do some filming with the Yorkshire TV news then I decided I wanted to make a bit more of an effort.
I flagged down another cab and asked the driver to take me to the nearest suit shop. I decided that if I was going out in the House of Commons, and meeting all these important people, I should really try and look the part.
They were great and even ironed my shirt.
I just wore the whole ensemble out of the shop. That's the kind of behaviour people who are dying should indulge in more often.
On the way into the Commons I met Alan Johnson - Secretary of State for Health. He listened and was quite knowledgeable of the subject because one of his constituents had been involved in a hunt for a bone marrow match.
He was very supportive and really seemed keen to help out as much as he could. He said there was already a pilot scheme for 14 and 15 year olds so I said let's expand this to the key age of 17/18 where you are old enough to join the register if you so choose.
Mr Johnson also said he would look into whether there was money available to help raise awareness possibly in the form of some national campaign.
I was then able to meet Education secretary, Ed Balls. He was really helpful. He explained that the Citizenship scheme - which I didn't realise ran through secondary education into college - would provide a structure on which to hang this talk off.
With business concluded, Kali then treated me and Caroline, along with her husband Ian, to a superb meal in a splendid restaurant in the Commons.
The food was exceptionally good and the pudding trolley was worth the trip in itself!
The meeting with Gordon Brown on Wednesday was a great experience.
In the UK Mr Brown is criticised for not as being relaxed in the media as Tony Blair was, but one to one he is really approachable, good company and listened to everything I had to say.
I am still quite touched that he spent a good 20 minutes of his time with me - that is a hell of a lot of time for this issue when you have got a country to run.
Later that day it was reported he was meeting with other OPEC leaders to discuss ways of reducing world oil prices and yet there he was chatting to this guy from Sheffield with a suit and daft hat on.
What I've always like about this campaign is that it's easy to sort out and would not cost much money.
Mr Brown even suggested taking it a step further and seeing if we could get a video campaign to support it.
He asked me to suggest a couple of celebrities I thought would be good to front it and that he would personally write to them on my behalf.
Don't get me wrong, Mr Brown is a skilled politician with a towering intellect. Nothing was committed to during that chat.
But I left the meeting feeling like he really wanted to help and that some sort of lasting change is going to take place.
Adrian Sudbury: Media Tart
Just for the record I thought you might like an idea of what it was like for me on Wednesday. It did go pretty mental.
1. 6.30am. Wake up in Regent's Park Hotel. Breakfast show arranged car over to BBC studio.
2. Car doesn't turn up so have to jump in cab.
3. End up in green room getting nose powdered.
4. Into studio, meet presenters Bill and Susanna. Always had a little bit of a thing for Susanna so glad she was nice in real life. She asked me if I liked Genesis because they were on next. I said no and we laughed.
5. Interview went well then popped upstairs to take part in Victoria Derbyshire show on 5Live.
6. Great to meet her and all her team who I have spoken so much to on the phone.
7. Arrange to meet local TV and Channel 5 news at Westminster at 11.30.
8. Feedback from listeners really good. Lots of support for the idea and people sending in tons of good comments.
9. Quick change into suit then jump in a car (the media outlets arrange all these for you).
10. Ten missed calls, five voice mails, 11 texts.
11. Use the car time to try and get through them all but becoming increasingly difficult.
12. Shoot pre-pieces outside Westminster with Channel 5 news and local ITV news.
13. 12.50pm, meet Kali Mountford MP and her office manager at St Stephen's entrance.
14. Confusion over who is allowed into film. End up with three crews, the MP and me all traipsing through security. Real media circus.
15. People beginning to recognise me and shake my hand in the street. Incredible feeling. All supportive and saying what a good idea it is.
16. Arrive outside meeting room in House of Commons. Final say from Downing Street Press Office is it's a private meeting but there will be an opportunity at the end to get some film/stills.
17. Complete meeting and dash over to Westminster studios to do a live with ITN lunch time news.
18. Back out into the parks around Parliament to finish filming with local ITV news and Channel 5.
19. Free half hour so grab lunch in the Commons with Kali and Ian. Pasty, a pie, brown sauce and a lager shandy.
20. Back out into parliament square to record a piece for the local BBC news.
21. Another car back to the national BBC news centre to appear on BBC news 24 channel.
22. Cup of tea, quick change back into normal clothes, a few biscuits, and charge phone back up.
23. Interview goes out live at 5.30pm then off in another car to NBC studios.
24. Record more of a magazine piece with them then get another car back to Balham for a glass of red bull and a packet of crisps!
25. Get to my car and drive home.
26. Arrive back at parents near Nottingham just before midnight. Mum lovingly prepares some spaghetti and a glass of red wine.
That was quite a day!
I have to add for the record that I am not brave.
Loads of people - especially on TV- keep saying that to me.
I'm not dodging bullets in Afghanistan, losing my child, challenging difficult children or keeping our streets safe.
All I've ever done is get ill and write about it.
That said all these wonderful comments are overwhelming, fantastic to read and often breathtaking. I've had to set my mum on as a full time moderator! I think she quite likes doing it though.
One final point.
When I got back to Sheffield it turned out my blood counts had really dropped. I had done all this with the equivalent of three bags of blood missing from my body.
That is hardcore.
what a bobby dazzler!
got sent your way from a cancer forum as my wife is dying of secondary breast now in her bones.
will read ya blog every day now big fella.
lots of love
Whoosh... on my best days, I would call that *too much!* You've accomplished a lot, and 3 pints low, I am in awe. Your ambition to educate the rest of us has inspired me and I made mention of you in my own blog; I hope it is something that helps to spread your message. Peace.
Dear Adrian
The thought crossed my mind yesterday that if ever Steven's cml progressed to a point where he needs a transplant, his donor could well be found because of what you are doing. That brings tears to my eyes.
What does that make you? Yup - a hero. Not an accidental hero, not someone that just happens to be in the right place at the right time, but a bloke who is doing his damndest to do something incredible for an incredible number of people who will never even get to know you. A true International Hero!
I would still rather have you healthy and well and I will forever be deeply grateful to you, Adrian
Please give your mom a big hug from me.
love and light
Annie
http://livingwithcml.blogspot.com
Adrian,
I found your blog last week, and have read it from the beginning. I wanted to let you know that your message is being heard loud and clear over here in Florida. I never knew that the donation process was so easy, but because of you I am now going in for donation.
And for the record, you actually haven't lost your good looks!
You are in my thoughts.
Michelle
Greetings:
Have you read up on Essiac Tea? Please, if time permits or anyone elses time permits, check it out. You should never ever in this lifetime, give up.
You would be amazed.
Hi Adrian,
My husband is going through Chemo for Lymphoma, another blood cancer. As I've tried to research blood cancer, I've become painfully aware of the need for bone marrow donors-especially for those facing Leukemia (American spelling). If there's any way I can help you take your bone marrow donor drive to the US don't hesitate to let me know-I'll do anything I can to help you achieve success while you're still here to see the results and kow what a remarkable thing you've done for so many. Sometimes, when we're going through stuff, we ask "Why me?" The need for blood marrow donation is your answer to this question-only you-Adrian Sudbury-could have taken your illness from a blog to a National (International??!) Bone Marrow Drive/Awareness campaign. God works through you, my dear.
m
Hi Adrian
I am amazed at how busy you've been! What you are doing is breathtaking for most of us reading this.
I understand what you are saying about being brave. I'm having chemo at the moment and people keep telling me I'm brave for how I'm dealing with my cancer but I keep saying I'm not brave - I'm just trying to live my life as normally as possible. The difference between us is that you ARE truly brave - not for writing about getting ill but for the way you are fighting to CHANGE things while you are so ill and could just be wallowing at home which is what some people would be doing if they were in your situation!
Your spirit to inspire people into action is what makes you brave and remarkable.
Best wishes
Alison x
Shit mate it certainly is hardcore! well adrian, I am pleased to say that due to your campaign I started the ball a'rollin enrollin myself for bone marrow donation, and I think I might bully some mates into doin the same thing...I must admit I thought it was alot scarier than it actually is. I make chemo for a living and its interesting for me be able to hear about the 'other end' as I don't have much patient contact....and you don't like to ask like when your counsellin patients on takin there medication!!.....so thankyou for the education and sharing your life so openly and honestly, it guts me the way its turned out for you, but were ever your going, when ever you go, I'm thinkin your probably gonna have it pretty good there cos you deserve it mate. Thankyou, Lisa M (Liverpool)
I saw you on BBC Breakfast and thought you came across very well. I can't imagine how I would be in your situation but I don't think I could be "out there" as you have been. Every credit to you!!!
Adrian, I have just recently discovered your blog and have been reading about your journey. Hopefully none of us has to be dying to be a hero. I also don't think it requires bravery to die even when you know it's coming. What I do believe is we count our moments by how we live. "Life is not about the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away." The journey that you are sharing will definately take our breath away and teach us what we need to do (so simply and unselfishly) to help others when we can. ( I WILL SEE ABOUT BONE MARROW DONATION) Do I think you are a hero or brave? I think you are a young man who will leave this world a better place for having been here. I think you will teach more in you 26 years than I or most will teach in a longer life time. I pray every day for you to find courage and peace in your journey. I pray for you to still have moments that "take your breath away". You have touched more hearts than most people touch in a life time and I pray that those hearts will be touched enough to stand up and do something. Adrian, you have my prayers, my respect, my clear attention to the final message you are trying to convey. And for what it's worth, even though I don't know you, my love and gratitude for sharing your journey. GOD'S SPEED. With love and prayers, Debra
Thank you so much for writing this blog. Your writing is so engaging and informative. I don't think I've ever been so touched by something written by a complete stranger. Your positive attitude is so inspiring, and I'm convinced your campaign will succeed beyond all expectations.
I've always considered myself fairly medically aware and am a strong proponent of blood and organ donation (particularly the opt out scheme), but had no idea about bone marrow donation. Had I had any idea of the need for donors I should certainly have been on the register long ago, and I'm sure the many other people who have already been reached by your campaign will very shortly be joining the register.
It really amazes me that someone in your position could maintain such a warm, positive attitude to the world and do so much with the time you have. To the extent that I've completely reassessed the way I live my own life, and how I spend my time and energy. I feel honored to have read your thoughts and feelings over the past year. Thank you.
I saw a video about you on MSN. Maybe people could call you strong instead of brave? Whatever they call you, the publicity you have created for the disease and for bone marrow donations is a great thing. Best wishes. :)
Hi Adrian,
I have just discovered your blog a couple of days ago and have been glued to the computer every second of my free time just so I could read every one of your posts.
I have to say, you are an amazing man. It is incredible to see someone handle this disease with such dignity, grace, and honesty. It is refreshing that you are so incredibly honest with your feelings, even when they are negative. I know you say that you are not brave but I have to disagree. You are a brave man Adrian. You are brave because you get up every day and face all of the challenges that you have been handed. You are brave because you come onto this website and let people in on your struggles and give them strength to keep going in their own life. You are brave, and you should relish in that fact.
I am sorry for everything that you have been going through over the past months. I wish that I could do something to help but I'm afraid that all I am capable of doing is post a comment on this website and pray that more people will realize the importance of being a donor.
I wish you nothing but the best in your life Adrian. I hope you know what an inspiration you are to so many people.
Sincerely,
NaTisha
Helloooo.....I hope you're having a good day? I would like to say thank you...you have given me the slap in the face i needed!! I saw you on the breakfast programme, i sat there and thought to myself i wish i could help you.... i've been moping around feeling sorry for myself for the last few months as a single, working parent struggling to pay the bills!! I have enquired about becoming a bone marrow donor and I shall encourage my son, when he is old enough to do the same along with the rest of my family and friends. You've given me a reason to lay off the vodka!! (i'm not an alcoholic i just like to chill every now and then!!) I believe we are all here for a reason yours is a good one!! I've yet to find mine!! You are an inspiration you have inspired me and i'm sure lots more people to enquire about bone marrow donation, i envy your family and friends who know you..............if your mum is reading this as a mother of a 10 year old son i can not imagine what you and your family must be going through...I know i would be very proud of Adrian and all that he has achieved. I would like to invite Adrian for a drink if he is not too busy? Lots of love xxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Adrian
What an amazing week you have had - you are a star, even with -3 bags of blood. I am fully behind your campaign and have signed your petition along with my husband. I know only too well how important donating and registering is, fortunately I've been in remission from AML for five and ahalf years. David, my husband, donates platelets every 4 weeks and is on the register.
I don't know where you get your energy from, you're certainly putting everything you've got into helping others. Good luck with your campaign, I know it will be a success.
Judith
Adrian,
I manage a blood bank in the States. We have been checking in on your blog for quite a while. For us, your blog has been a great way to understand the perspective of our patients who share many of your experiences. Thank you for doing great work to increase blood and bone marrow donation.
Amy
You're an amazing man Adrian, an inspiration!
Lots of love, Hels xXx
I think you're handling your situation with great bravery, even if you don't see feel the term is applicable! I will be signing up to become a bone marrow doner as soon as soon as I am able (I had a baby ten weeks ago so have to wait until he is a year old).
Hello Adrian,
I found your website through one of the interviews you have done. I find your story and cause noble and I plan to donate bone marrow as soon as I can.
You are amazing. So many things I want to say but all that comes out is that you are amazing. Thank you for what you are giving to the world.
Adrian,
Once again, kudos galore for what you have set out to do, and what you have been able to achieve in a stupendously short time. The raised awareness and resultant increase in humanitarian acts are going to save many lives, so generations to come owe you a debt of gratitude. It is such work that redeems humanity as a whole in a very dehumanized world.
Prayers and love,
Hari
PS. I would like to reiterate my plea, and that of others, that you explore some of the alternative healing treatments that people have advised, even as you accept that one door to a cure has closed. I say this after having gone through leukemia myself (see earlier post on May 22).
"All I've ever done is get ill and write about it."
You have done so much more than that, you have potentially saved thousands of lives through your sheer determination to help others.
Wow Adrian!
You don't do anything by half do you! And for the record, you are very wrong about not being brave.
Dan has had a 3 bag transfusion before and I know how weak, dizzy and disorientated he feels before he has received it.You may not be doing any of the above things you mention, but you are selfless in the desire to help others and that is quite a rare commodity these days. Bravery comes in many forms. Look what you have achieved in such a short time. I think you should be pretty proud of yourself.
I mentioned in a previous blog, my daughter is at Nottingham Uni and they had a campaign there earlier this term for students to sign up for the bone marrow register,so may be someone has organised a campaign at uni level?
Lots of love and hugs to you
Sally
Really sorry to hear about your blood counts. Look after yourself first and foremost! You have done what you set out to do - to raise public awareness of the importance of registering for bone marrow donation. Thanks to the internet, your story has gone around the world.
You and your family should be so proud of your achievements. It's time to take care of yourself now.
Stay strong and know that there are many people you have never met who are thinking of you.
Embi
Hi Adrian,
I watched your clips on the Today Show website and then skimmmed through your blog. I wanted to share the following with you. I don't mean to offend you with the following,but I want to be able to share with the Opportunity to KNOW and have a personal relationship with The Creator of the Universe! The One who created Life!
I pray that you read this and that you come to know Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour! He Loves You not only you but everyone in the Entire world!
If you have already heard and accepted this PRAISE the Lord!
I am praying for you! God has a plan for your life
In Him,
Megan Jeremiah 29:11
For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
1Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The Bible teaches that no one is perfect.
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The Bible teaches that sin brings death, but God gives the opportunity to have eternal life.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Bible teaches that God showed his love to us before we looked for Him.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The Bible teaches that there is one way to heaven.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrian , your so right your probably not brave but the important thing is you are trying to get something done . I am presently in remission with AML and do understand the hardcore comment as I was so ill before getting a diagnosis that I have an unofficial record, as I , still entered hospital under my own steam ( should not even have been conscious ) .
I loved your honesty re Poppy and having seen what my illness took out of my wife it rang so true .
I would like to thank you for your efforts as I may need transplant , presently chemo has appeared to work ( sic ) .
Respect Dan
For anyone that is afraid of giving bone marrow don't be. I just donated a few months back and honestly it only inconvienced me for a few days. I was back to work in four days following my surgery. There was a little soreness above the right hip for around 10 days but the left side was fine. To be inconvienced like that for 10 days is nothing to save someones life. I had been registered with the Bone Marrow Donor Program for a few years. If it is needed again I am happy to give. You can ask me questions about the procedure by emailing me. Hugs and best wishes to everyone around the world :)
Adrian - I saw you on Breakfast TV - you were truely amazing and I felt hugely moved.
It may me vow to join the donor register as a little something that I can do to help. Unfortunately, I live in France at the moment and the health authorities will not take blood products from British donors (crazy but it's something to do with having lived in Britain when the French think CJD was raging and that we were all infected.)
However, I will move back to England in the future and promise you that I will do it then. From what you say then you will not be around at that time..............But I thought I would tell you of my intentions so you know that your publicity of today, while you are alive, may have good consequences for others years down the line.
I will now be an avid follower of the blog.
My warmest thoughts for your future.
Julie
Hi Adrian,
Just checking in to say hello and to let you know Ryan, our whole family and I am thinking of you daily.
Ryan talked a lot about you to his therapist Friday. You are foremost in his thoughts these days.
Love to you always,
Amy Patrick
GVHD LIST
USA
Hi Adrian,
Came accross ur blog after reading your story on dailymail, and i must say i admire you sooo much.
Im a very sentimental person, and after reading some of your entries i couldn't hold back the tears.
I have signed your petition and im going to send an e-mail to all my friends , family, colleagues and to everyone at my Uni ( all students, all lecturers, all the staff, everyone)to sign it.
Im already a blood donor, and after reading your story i think i am going to become a bone marrow donor.
My dad's boss was diagnosed with leukemia 3 months ago, and i am going to tell him to read your blog as i am sure it will help him and give him strength.
From now on i will read your blog every single day.
Lots and lots of love to a gr8 and amazing human being ---> YOU
Claudia
XXXX
Hi Adrian
I am a Huddersfield Examiner reader from the Holme Valley and have signed the petition on line and will persuade friends to sign petition and join donor register, unfortunately I am over the age limit (I have a daughter of 27) I have started reading your blog and think you are a truly inspirational person.
Thinking of you.
Di
Hi Adrian
Wow what a story! My admiration for you is overwhelming. Last saturday my (just) 2yr old godson was diagnosed with ALL. He is out of hospital but very angry and upset(due to medication) your story is an inspiration.
Thank you for your openness.
Danielle.
Dear Adrian,
Let me just start our by saying that I have always loved the name: Adrian. It's such a powerful name, but sweet sounding. :-)
I just saw your video on msn.com and I must be honest with you after I saw your words that you have been "EXCEPTIONALLY UNLucky" I said to myself- "My God, that is true. How could God allow this to happen to someone. Imagine knowing that your final day is soon to come." And I got extremely teary eyed. But then I honestly smiled and thought but you are lucky, just look at how beautiful and full your final days have become. I know this may sound stupid of me to say, but Adrian you are an inspiration, a strength, a hero, a sign of hope and love [etc] for other people. I know this is horrible to just imagine and yet you're living it, but God is using you as a message to all of us. I know it's unfair, but you are a messager and I applaud you for being such a great one! You are honestly and truly a remarkable person and for some reason your purpose in this world was to show all of us just that. You have battled something that is so much stronger than you and yet won the fight. Yes won the fight, because you are amazing and such a grand of a person with resistance to evil, integrity in living in a productive and successful manner, confidence, [etc].
Adrian, I truly command you for being such a force of strength and love as you are. And God has truly blessed you, you have the power which you are using to change the world.
xo much love and respect,
Carina
USA
P.S. ADRIAN U SAID: "One final point.
When I got back to Sheffield it turned out my blood counts had really dropped. I had done all this with the equivalent of three bags of blood missing from my body. That is hardcore." WELL THAT'S WHAT MAKES U SO AMAZING AND BRAVE!!!
Hi,
Where to start.. other than to say i'am truly touched by your courage, inspiration and endless bravery. I was emailed by my uni (Guildford UK) which was raising awareness for your plight to promote the importance of bone marrow donation... and clicked on the link to your blog and then was glued at times being a typical woman and in tears!
I'am a nurse, and regularly give blood, even took the steps to becoming a bone marrow donor after reading a story like your own in a local newspaper.. but until now was a little nervous. You are a true inspiration, and i am pleased to say i posted my Anthony Nolan donation application form this morning. I hope in the future that others will do the same, your work is life-changing and i will endeavour to ensure i pester my mates to do the same!
Keep smiling, and you are in my thoughts
Much love to you and your family
Natalie x
Adrian..
That is hardcore! I'm exhausted just reading the events of the day!
For the record, you are brave-- most people that face a fraction of what you are experiencing would just assume crawl under a rock waiting for what may be to come. You, took it head on and are still think of others in the process.
A quick definition of what "Brave" means
brave -
1. possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance. YES YOU ARE
2. making a fine appearance. YES YOU DO (and even cared enough to make a pit stop to a suit shop!)
3. Archaic. excellent; fine; admirable.
-noun YES VERY MUCH SO
4. a brave person. INCLUDING ADRIAN!
So you see, there is a lot of meaning of what it is to be brave. Adrian, whether you believe it or not.. we all think that you are brave.
You have convinced me to get tested. I too, was under the impression that to become a donor meant facing a lot of uncomfortable and incredibly invasive procedures. Thank you for clearing that up for me. I know already that I am a universal blood donor being O- who knows I could be a life saving match in another way too.
All my best to you, your incredible family and friends.
Kim
Cincinnati, Ohio
USA
Hi again Adrian, i'm so sorry that you are in this situation, but I have to say you are AMAZING!! Facing up to death is something that many of us struggle with at the best of times, let alone when ill and in pain - this is why so many of us who write on your blog tell you that you are brave! Not only have you kept an amazing sense of humour but you are changing the world with the time you have left (which I certainly hope ends up being many many months)! I read your blog, and commented, after the daily mail story, but i'm sad to say that even then I didn't really look into being a bone marrow donor (not so good with needles!) - however, scaredy cat no longer! I'm definitely signing up, and i'm forwarding your message and blog on to all my friends (in the UK and USA too!) in the hopes that they also will sign up. I actually work as a research scientist at a stem cell institute, and have previously worked in cancer research too - it's people like you who remind us in the lab exactly why we do this job!! I hope you and your family are proud of the amount of good that has come from you just 'being ill and writing about it'!! You are practically an international superstar! I wish you all the laughter in the world for the time you have left - do everything you ever wanted! You are a star mate, a true superstar! And in case you were in any doubt, you got the looks and smile of a superstar too ;)!! Love Liz x x
come on dude,
I'v just today saw a your link in may favoriet blog so i really impressed and wanna see your blog, i love to check your feeds man.
You'll be okay soon ang God will keep you safe.
You are a king of motivation!!
jahan
iran /tehran
poorjahangiri@gmail.com
Adrian,
I found your site through MSNBC. What an amazing story. Your message made it all the way to Kansas City, Missouri. If i wasn't already a registered bone marrow donor I surely would go out and do it now thanks to you. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers!
Katy
Hey there - I've been following your blog from the beginning (TM colleague from Merseyside).
Your story has touched the Nation, your family must be so proud of you and what you are doing now.
You are one of a kind Adrian - a true inspiration
PS. In my small effort to help the cause I've been onto the ANT site to register this morning
Take Care x
Hi Adrian, I sat up through the night when I found your blog and read it all. Wow! What an inspiration you are and what a wonderful thing you are doing. And you ARE making a difference to so many lives, not just by making us all think about donating but in ways you probably aren't even aware of. I, for one, am spreading your word to as many people as possible. The world is richer because of you! Who knows what lies ahead for any one of us, but how many of us can say we made a difference to so many lives. That speaks volumes about the person you are.
I just want to say it's been a great privilege to read your blog and and I'm sure the work you are beginning will go on for many, many years to come.
I think of you and your parents every day, I too have a wonderful son, they must be so proud of you. And just for the record I think you're gorgeous!
So eat what you fancy, enjoy a drink and when you can, have some fun inbetween araising awareness! And remember to rest now and then!
Much love to you and your family.
Barbara xx
Hi Adrian!
I'm so glad (not to mention relieved) to see that you are looking well. Looking at you, you would never guess you're fighting the batle of your life. Keep it up and I hope and pray that it's only up from here.
Take care,
Tina
Hi luv!
Don't think I haven't thought of you! I see you've been keeping quite busy!! and what a day you had! you and your blog are part of my routine and I'm sure eager to read about you every morning after I check my email...I feel as if I know you :)
Wow you did all that with 3 bags of blood missing??? u r not only brave but also crazy!!!and very inspirational!! we should all carry and Adrian with us every where we go...sending you lots of hugs and kisses!! wish I was there to squeeze you in person :)
Love,
Olga
Hello Adrian,
I have been following your campaign and i cant say how much it means that someone like you has the courage to do it . The powers that be will listen -well done.
Having been a bone marrow donor for my brother who had acute myloid as was my son who joined the Anthony Nolan register and was a donor for someone he never met and who lives in Italy i cant stress to others how important your campaign is.
To you personally Adrian I say you have done so much in your short life that it is truely a life worth living -God bless
How are you? I see you have been very busy. I am wondering if you have a facebook page so we can start spreading the word more efficiently as a huge campaign. Also I know this sounds silly however I might be able to help on the famous front if you like as I have some contacts in that world if you want help in that regards although I am sure you are well sorted. If you would like me to make a few calls on your behalf then contact me through my private email address. Best of luck with everything.
Henny
Adrian
You are truely inspirational!
Both my husband and I have been on the A.N Bone Marrow register for many, many years. We are moving to Australia this month and contacted them to give them our change of address, however we cannot be registered with them as we will live outside the UK. They encouraged us to join the Australian register, which we agreed to do. However before seeing you on the BBC and reading your blog it had slipped from my to do list. I promise you faithfully that it will be put firmly on the top of my list when I get home tonight!!
Thank you for your wonderful work, the world is proud of you!!!
Good luck and god bless
Jackie
Hi Adrian
Saw your website on posters that have been put up at my work in Blackpool Council.
Only this week while giving blood I put myself on the Bone Marrow register. Having read your story and your blogs it makes me even more sure it was a good thing to have done.
I will continue to encourage my friends and family to do the same.
Good luck with everything.
Vikki
Hi Adrian
I heard about your blog from radio 5. God bless you. You could be wallowing in self pity, but instead you choose to fight on and, me, I think that is very very brave even if you don't. And you spent a full 20 minutes with Gordon Brown without falling asleep - that makes you even more brave ;) Good on you dude and don't give up. God is with those who are patient and grateful. Best wishes for you and your family.
- Safiyyah
Hi how are you, hope you had a great day birthday boy!!!!! Thinking of you, take care love Anne Sali London HAPPY BIRTHDAY XXX
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