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My name is Kamisha Guthrie; I am 27 years old and a Psychologist of Learning Disabilities. More importantly I have donated Bone Marrow for an individual suffering with leukaemia and I am the first cousin of ex-leukaemia sufferer Daniel De-Gale.

I joined the Bone Marrow register on Sunday 20th October 1997 during the Choice FM vs. Kiss FM charity fund raising football match at Dulwich Hamlets Football Ground. Choice FM won the match 4-3 with a Golden Goal in extra time and a total of £1,200 was collected upon behalf of the charity. The ACLT manned a Mobile Registration Clinic and along with 96 people I came forward and registered as a potential Donor.

I was nearly 18 years old when I joined the register that day via the ACLT, which was established by my mum’s sister Aunty Bev and her partner Orin, initially in the hope that I would be a match for Daniel. As our search for Daniel’s donor continued, I learned more and more about the difficulties facing leukaemia sufferers within the black community who are in need of a Bone Marrow transplant. In my heart, my worries for Daniel grew strong, but I never gave up hope. Although I was not a match for Daniel, I realised the importance of remaining on the register and possibly becoming the miracle for someone else that I had so long dreamt of for Daniel. The slogan for the ACLT is “By any means necessary” and as I began to consider the meaning of this phrase and its depth, I quickly began to understand the importance of “give and take”, “share and share alike” and “coming together as one”. More time passed and our miracle came. Her name is Doreene Carney and she donated Bone Marrow for Daniel in June 1999. The ups and downs continued for Daniel as they do generally for recipients post transplant, but eventually he was given the all clear and I could finally exhale, and all was quiet.

During this period I received a package from the Anthony Nolan Trust requesting a blood sample as I had been found as a “partial match” for someone. I provided the sample only to be told that I was not a sufficient match. I was also told that additional information obtained would be stored on file for future matching. About 12 months later I received a larger package requesting a larger blood sample. This time the letter attached explained that I was now at the final stage of matching for a sufferer. I gasped for breath, took myself to my GP, but said nothing to family members just in case. Eight weeks later I received a letter stating that I was indeed a perfect match and requested I call to confirm willingness to proceed. I was completely overwhelmed and dazed by disbelief, still no word to the family just in case it was a mistake. The next day I called the Anthony Nolan Trust and it was confirmed. We discussed potential dates for donation and the procedures that would precede it. At this point I was in complete shock and began to pace up and down my hallway. I began to question the likelihood of such an occurrence and the message being conveyed by the powers that be. I felt invigorated and honoured to be the first in our family to give something back to our community as a way of saying thanks. I pondered on the recipient and their family and how their prayers had been answered. I telephoned Orin and Beverley and told them to sit down. They had no idea and were completely speechless when I told them.

I went through an emotional rollercoaster ranging from sheer happiness to be able to help, to anger and disappointment that the recipient had to be a sufferer in the first place. The Anthony Nolan Trust were remarkable and supported me all the way. Following a brief period of anxiety and nervousness the day came and I was ecstatic and ready to donate more than ever. The procedure went smoothly and support from family and friends was second to none. I couldn’t believe how limited the discomfort was when I returned from theatre and found myself referring to my period pains and how they hurt more. The entire experience was absolutely mind-blowing and very difficult to put into words.

Imagine, the opportunity to offer the gift of life and to lose nothing?! I’d do it again tomorrow! Hopefully, my story will get you to join the register TODAY!!