Meet Emilia Shaw, a dedicated nurse and mum-of-two from Bromsgrove who thought her constant tiredness was due to her busy work schedule and bustling family life. Emilia initially blamed long shifts for her exhaustion, but things took a shocking turn. What seemed like regular fatigue turned out to be acute myeloid leukaemia, a rare and fast-growing blood cancer.
In hindsight, clues like persistent headaches, bleeding gums, and heavy periods were more than just random aches and pains. When these symptoms escalated, Emilia decided to get checked. After a blood test at her local GP, she was swiftly sent to the hospital, where a transfusion revealed alarming results. By December 9, 2025, Emilia had her diagnosis and a daunting battle ahead.
At 41, Emilia is currently tackling chemotherapy and gearing up for a crucial stem cell transplant that could pave the way to recovery. Her family is no stranger to cancer’s toll; her husband Ben has lost his mum, and his dad and Emilia’s mum have also faced cancer battles. Despite these challenges, the couple remains hopeful with the prospect of a stem cell transplant.
This twist of fate from nurse to patient hasn’t dimmed Emilia’s spirit. In collaboration with a blood cancer charity, she’s advocating for more people to register as potential stem cell donors. Registration involves a quick cheek swab and a few health questions, yet it could save a life. Emilia’s campaign aims to expand the register, offering hope to approximately 2,000 people in the UK currently waiting for a match.
Amidst her struggle, Emilia is a beacon of hope and resilience. She’s eager to return to her role as both a nurse and a full-time mum to Henry, six, and Felix, four. With her characteristic optimism, Emilia says, “Knowing the cancer I have is treatable with a stem cell transplant means the world to us. I’m hopeful for a match soon so I can get back to normal life.”
Join Emilia’s fight by registering to become a stem cell donor today. It’s a simple step that could lead to a life-saving difference!