Meet Nicholas Moreley from Monmouthshire, a resilient cancer survivor whose life took an unexpected twist! Diagnosed with leukaemia in 2024, Nicholas needed a stem cell transplant urgently and embarked on an international search for a donor. Little did he know, his lifesaver was closer than he thought—his own brother Matthew, living 3,500 miles away in Maryland!
Nicholas, who works as a consultant radiologist, initially brushed off his persistent cough but soon realised something was amiss. A blood test confirmed leukaemia, leading to gruelling rounds of chemotherapy. As luck—or fate—would have it, the perfect match for his stem cell transplant was a mysterious donor from the US, later revealed to be his brother Matthew. The incredible discovery came with a touch of humour, as Nicholas quipped about matches also located in Edinburgh, highlighting the power of brotherhood across continents.
Fast forward a year, and Nicholas celebrates his “new birthday,” the day of his transplant, enjoying life back at work, hitting the trails, and embracing family duties.
Matthew had signed up for the US stem cell registry on a whim and urges others to do the same. “It’s surreal to think that a casual sign-up years ago could turn into something so significant,” he said. The collaborative efforts of healthcare teams in Wales and the US, along with the love and support from friends and family, have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Stem cell donors have the potential to change lives entirely. Yet, the challenge remains—many patients struggle to find a matching donor, especially from diverse ethnic backgrounds. With over 40 million people registered worldwide, registering as a donor can make a massive impact.
Celebrate Nicholas’s journey and consider joining a stem cell registry. You might just be someone’s miracle match! 🌟 #StemCellHero #BrothersBond #MiracleMatch