SUPERMARKET staff have launched a bid to find potential stem cell donors to save the life of a popular colleague fighting a rare blood cancer.
Sheldon Donovan, 28, has begun a desperate search for a donor after his Hodgkin’s Lymphoma returned for a third time.
And his calls have been backed by colleagues at Asda in Worcester who have issued a rallying call for shoppers to find out if they hold the key to Sheldon’s future.
Sheldon has worked at Asda for 12 years – six of them at Cardiff where he started out part-time while at college. He moved to Worcester in 2015 to be with his partner Liam.
The bid to find a donor marks the latest effort in a four year fight to tackle the cancer which began with a visit to his doctor.
“I’m not usually one to go, but I knew I couldn’t delay it any longer as my body just didn’t feel right. I went to the GP in October and shortly in after I was admitted into hospital,” he said.
“My results came back in early December and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. It suddenly dawned on me I had cancer. They are very surreal words to hear especially when they are directed at you.”
The supermarket worker checked to see if his brother was a match, but he wasn’t. Six month of chemotherapy followed in Cardiff where Sheldon was looked after by his parents.
“I have to say I did at times feel a little sorry for myself. I was treated in the hospital’s teenage cancer unit, who arranged for me to meet Ed Sheeran at the Royal Albert Hall,” he said.
Sheldon went into remission in June 2017 but relapsed in January last year meaning more chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell operation.
“This is where my own stem cells were used to replace my damaged ones. Sadly, it wasn’t to last.”
“I really am down to my last chance now. It’s simple, I want a second chance of life which means relying on the help of a stranger. I have so much more living to do and dreams to fulfil. I adore my partner Liam and our recent addition to our household – our labradoodle, Charlie.
“Please give me a chance – I’m only 28, and not ready to die just yet.”
Asda store manager Rukia Hussain said many staff had already registered with DKMS to see if any of them could be a suitable donor match.
Visit www.dkms.org.uk/en/sheldon for more.
