Somebody you know could be the perfect match for a patient in need of a bone marrow transplant. Please help us spread the message, click here.

Aston’s Army

Aston's fight against blood cancer

 

Aston Bevington, a 16-year-old student from Bridgend with a passion for football and rugby, was diagnosed on 10 December 2024 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive cancer.

Aston was blue lighted into Noah’s Ark Hospital in Cardiff where he began an intensive chemotherapy regime.

Due to Aston’s illness, a stem cell transplant (also known as a bone marrow transplant) is being considered to help him overcome the disease.

How you can help Aston and other patients just like him

 

Every day, stem cell registries across the world are searched by clinicians looking for the perfect match for their patients. The bigger the registry, the greater the likelihood of matching a blood cancer or blood disorder patient with a suitable stem cell volunteer.

1. Sign up to join the registry

 

There are two ways to join the registry. Joining is simple. You can join the panel from the age of 16 up until your 31st birthday or, If you are of Black, Asian, mixed heritage or minority ethnic background you can join from 16 up until your 46th birthday.

 

2. Share the word and encourage others to sign up

There are so many other ways you can make a lifesaving difference to patients. Could you help us encourage people to donate with us? We’re looking for supporters who can help us by spreading the word and shouting about the importance of donating whether it’s blood, platelets or bone marrow. Here are some of the ways you can help us to get the message out there and support people in Wales who need donations:

 

  • Display a poster at work or in your local area
  • Promote our donation clinics with family, friends and colleagues
  • Sharing resources about the lifesaving difference donating makes
  • Record a video to your friends and followers using the suggested script below

Urgent call for stem cell volunteers to help teenager with leukaemia

16-year-old Aston Bevington was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia and is hoping to find a stem cell (also known as bone marrow) donor to help him overcome the disease. Aston’s mother, Sian Mansell, Father, Jason Bevington and stepfather, Nathan Strong, are leading the call for more 16 to 30-year-olds to join Welsh Blood Service’s Registry as a potential match for Aston.

 

Read his story