Stem cell transplant: Cancer survivor meets donor who saved her life

After Rachel was identified, and Alison’s transplant was successful, Alison had a two year wait before she was able to request her donor’s details.

The fact that Rachel is originally from south Wales, like Alison, the Welsh Blood Service said was “incredibly rare”, as donors are usually found through an international database.

In February of this year Alison arranged to meet Rachel when she returned to Llanelli from Australia, where she now lives.

“I now get the chance to live a full life, spend precious time with my children and see my grandson grow up,” Alison said.

Rachel said she decided to donate stem cells because her father had relied on donors, having suffered with ill-health for much of his life.