Leukaemia survivor and rugby player urge public to help fight against blood cancer after Carl Ikeme diagnosis
A leukaemia survivor and keen sportsman has urged the public to help in the fight against the deadly disease.
The call from Rugby player Samrick Singh Bahia comes after it was revealed Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has the condition.
Samrick was diagnosed with the blood cancer at just 19 and made a solid recovery after several years of treatment.
The Essington resident, who has raised in the region of £148,000 for leukaemia charities, is calling on people to register as potential bone marrow donors.
Bone marrow stem cell transplants are one of the main treatments for some types of leukaemia.
The Wolves fan, now 24, who received chemotherapy treatment said: "It was terrible to hear the news about Carl. He has some tough times ahead and several years of hard graft but if he stays strong and takes the advice of doctors it will stand him in good stead."
Samrick has been raising awareness about the need for people to register as stem cell donors – particularly those from ethic minorities or of mixed heritage.
He has already added 1,000 people to the register, including three friends who have been donors.
The Wolverhampton Rugby Club forward said: "If you are Asian, black, or mixed race you are less likely to be able to find a donor if you have leukaemia and need a bone marrow transplant.
"It is very easy to sign up as a potential donor. You just need to give a swab from the inside of you cheeks and 90 per cent of people will never be called upon. And if you are called on you will be saving someone's life.
"We really need more people to register."
Samrick has received several awards for his fundraising and campaigning, including one from former Prime Minister David Cameron and another from ITV's Pride of Britain.
Reflecting on his own diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, he said: "When I was diagnosed, I was shocked.
"I was 19 and had never really been ill before. I saw my treatment as a gap year. It was very tough. It ended up being over three years for my recovery. The first year was intense treatment and then the second and third years were starting to get back to normality.
"When you are bedridden for several months and not exercising, it is hard.
"When I came out of hospital I couldn't walk and had to basically teach myself again.
"You body changes – I still have no feeling in my toes."
He added: "I want to send Carl all my best wishes and hope he gets on the patch to recovery soon."
More information on becoming a stem cell donor can be found at dkms.org.uk and anthonynolan.org.
