Urgent call for stem cell volunteers to help teenager with leukaemia

A Bridgend family, whose teenager was recently diagnosed with leukaemia, is urgently appealing for young people to register as stem cell volunteers with the Welsh Blood Service ahead of World Cancer Day on Tuesday, 4 February 2025.

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.

"His doctor called and told me it was cancer and he needed to go to hospital urgently. My heart completely shattered." Mum Sian said.

Aston was initially diagnosed with glandular fever, but his condition continued to deteriorate. The family became increasingly concerned when Aston began to feel exhausted, nauseous and swelling spread to other parts of his body. Additional tests revealed the devastating diagnosis.

"He was blue-lighted into Noah's Ark Hospital in Cardiff and started chemotherapy straight away, he also needed blood and platelets as part of his treatment too," Sian explained.

"His body isn't reacting the way it should for chemotherapy treatment so we're expecting Aston will need a stem cell transplant. The transplant will help cure him by switching his cells, which are causing the cancer, with healthy cells from a donor."

Despite over 40 million people on Registries across the world who have signed up as willing donors to someone like Aston, three in ten patients still aren't able to find a suitable match.

Aston's father, Jason, has expressed his gratitude for the support they've already received from the public, hoping this will encourage more people to join the stem cell register. "The support of the sports communities has been absolutely incredible, from celebrity messages wishing him a happy birthday to his hometown rugby club, Porthcawl RFC, shaving their heads!"

"It has been made abundantly clear to us and most definitely to Aston that he is not fighting this battle alone. He has a whole army behind him." Sian added.

Aston's dream of becoming a professional athlete is temporarily on hold as he undergoes treatment and searches for a donor match. He's already had success at youth level, playing academy football since he was five, starting with Swansea City AFC and most recently playing with Pontardawe Town AFC. Aston may face a difficult choice between a future in football or rugby as his rugby talents have also been recognised, with a call-up to the Ospreys academy after successful stints with Porthcawl RFC and Bridgend District.

“Finding a donor would give Aston the chance to get back to doing what he loves, playing football, rugby and being with his family and friends." said stepdad Nathan, highlighting the importance of finding a stem cell match.

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Many people with Aston's condition will go on to need a stem cell transplant, which offers the best chance of a long-term cure.

“You could be the one person in the world with a suitable match for Aston or someone just like him, and that’s why we need more people to sign up to our Registry. If you're 16 to 30-years-old, or 16 to 45-years-old if you're from a Black, Asian, mixed heritage or minority ethnic background, you may be able to join.

"Modern medicine has revolutionised how we collect stem cells, if you were a match, almost all donations are now collected over several hours using a machine which takes your stem cells from your blood stream and returns all the other cells, allowing for a quick recovery.

"Whether you're eligible to sign up or know someone who might be, please talk to young people about this life-changing Registry and help more patients in need like Aston."

There are two ways to join the Welsh Blood Service’s Registry, by requesting a swab kit online or when giving blood. Find out more at www.welshblood.org.uk.