A recently retired West Midlands Police officer is aiming to give the perfect present this Christmas by helping to save a child’s life.
Brian Carmichael has donated rare bone marrow stem cells which will treat a youngster who is recovering from blood cancer or a disorder.
The former Detective Chief Inspector – who served across the force including Birmingham and Professional Standards Department (PSD) during his 30 year career – signed up with the Anthony Nolan charity a decade ago.
He was encouraged to join the register – which aims to find matches for those who need stem cell or bone marrow transplants – through the Black and Asian Police Association which sought to encourage more people from minority ethnic backgrounds to sign up.
Brian got a call from the charity in September saying he was a match for a poorly child and donated stem cells, in a process similar to giving blood, at hospital earlier this month.
The stem cells given to the patient replace their own damaged cells.
Brian does not know the identity of the person he is helping although he will be able to communicate with them anonymously for the next two years – after which he may be able to find out more about the stranger he has given a second chance of life.
Brian, aged 50 from Birmingham, said: “I received a text while on holiday to get in touch with Anthony Nolan. I contacted the charity and I was informed that I was a potential match for someone needing a lifesaving donation of my stem cells.
“I agreed without any hesitation because helping people – especially the sick and vulnerable – is what you do as a member of the police service.
“I received four injections over four days to increase the production of my stem cells and to move them from my bone marrow into my bloodstream ready for collection.
“It was at this stage that I learnt that the recipient was a child. It was not until then that I truly understood the importance of my donation and consequences for the child and their family.
“This simple act of donating my stem cells is one of the most amazing and humbling acts that I have ever done. I now pray and hope this child will make a full recovery.
“I would urge anyone to become a donor and do something amazing by giving someone a chance of life. If you have doubts about being a donor just imagine the person needing the donation is your spouse, relative or friend. Wouldn’t you be praying and hoping for someone to help save their life?!”
People aged 16-30 are encouraged to join the Anthony Nolan register online. Visit the https://www.anthonynolan.org/join website.
