Former Nuneaton mayor finds bone marrow match in Germany

[dutchman]

A stranger from Germany could hold the key to a Warwickshire man’s fight against cancer.



Hopes of finding a vital bone marrow donor for the 65-year-old former Nuneaton mayor, Councillor Tom Wilson, have been raised with news of a possible match on an international register.

Coun Wilson was diagnosed with leukaemia seven months ago and has been warned that without a stem cell transplant he may have just two years to live.

He said: “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out for me to have the operation next month. I’ve been told that a match has been identified by the Anthony Nolan Trust. Apparently, it is a 25-year-old man living in Germany and although there’s nothing definite yet, I am feeling quite optimistic.

“Health checks have to be carried out with the potential donor, along with inquires about whether he wants to go ahead with the procedure. But the chance is there, which I’m ready to grab with both hands.”

Coun Wilson fell ill during a holiday in Denmark last summer, shortly after completing a year of office as borough mayor. He has undergone three cycles of chemotherapy at University Hospital Coventry, while being regularly monitored at the haemotology department in George Eliot Hospital.

“The medical treatment I have received has been absolutely first class and I really don’t know where I would have been without the unstinting care and attention from my wife Sonja,” said the grandfather of six.

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