Teenager's race to find bone marrow donor
A teenage girl faces a race against time to find a bone marrow donor to provide the lifesaving transplant she desperately needs to beat leukaemia.
Doctors have told Emily Pierce, 18, she desperately needs a bone marrow transplant if she is to stand a chance of survival.
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Emily Pierce.
Student Emily, a fitness fanatic and holder of a karate black belt, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia in September after experiencing chest pain she mistook for a pulled muscle.
Now, her family is appealing for people to attend a session specially set up by The Anthony Nolan Trust to join the charity's bone marrow register in the hunt for her potential lifesaver.
Emily was last night too ill to be interviewed by the Mail after "complications" caused by her second course of chemotherapy, but she was able to pass a heart-rendering plea to her mother Joanne Pierce, 41, who lives with her daughter in Skidby.
She said: "The most important thing is to raise awareness. It's not just about saving me. People need to know about the register."
Anyone who would like to help Emily, as well as others, are invited to the session at Cottingham Parks Golf and Leisure Club in Woodhill Way, Cottingham, from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday, December 8.
To read Emily's story see Saturday's Mail.
22 Comments
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by Amie, australia
Saturday, November 28 2009, 11:41AM
“Love you Emily. Thanks to everyone who has commented and taken an interest. Hopefully lots of people show up on the 8th not just for Emily but for anyone out there needing your help. Its an amazing thing to do, saving a life. Hopefully somebody can be a match for our Emily.
Thinking of you always down under love you xx”
by Andrea, Thorngumbald
Friday, November 27 2009, 10:31PM
“Vikki, hull.... I dont think you can but its worth giving the Blood Service a ring to check.”
by Gary, Brisbane Austalia
Friday, November 27 2009, 10:22PM
“As a relative and friend. This great that this has generated so much debate and discussion as it can nly help Emily. The main thing is that you get behind Emily's cause to find a donor my telling everyone you know about this site and how to get on the register or attend the meeting. This is a beautiful family who need your elp right now, you do not get the chance ver often in life to do something great, so get out there and do it. Thank you...From OZ”
by vikki, hull
Friday, November 27 2009, 9:00PM
“forgive me for sounding totally dopey can people on blood pressure tablets still give blood as im willing to give it but not sure how it is please some one answer my question thanks”
by Tom, Dubai
Friday, November 27 2009, 6:12PM
“I registered a couple of years ago when I was giving Blood, I would gladly fly back to the UK if I was a match!! if not, lets hope they find a match quickly.”
by Kate, Beverley
Friday, November 27 2009, 4:28PM
“I hope they find a match, I hope we're much closer to a cure as well.”
by john, hull
Friday, November 27 2009, 3:55PM
“Its nice to see this forum being useful for a change.Good luck to the young girl”
by Tony, West of River Hull
Friday, November 27 2009, 1:43PM
“Whatever science states, as argument against much older folk being donors, I bet they are wrong. The illnesses I have beaten in life must have left me with antibodies against, nigh on, half of all humanities ills. It is truly frustrating, when they will not allow you to help. I hope my Guardin Angel finds time to take Emily under their bountiful wing.”
by Becky, Hull
Friday, November 27 2009, 1:12PM
“You are able to join the bone marrow register from the age of 18-49 if you join when giving blood with the national blood donor service.”
by Becky, Hull
Friday, November 27 2009, 1:11PM
“You are able to join the bone marrow register from the age of 18-49 if you join when giving blood with the national blood donor service.”