Pontypool RFC full-back Ethan Davies has found a stem cell match in his battle with cancer.
The 28-year-old was diagnosed with Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma earlier this year and has been on the search for a stem cell donor ever since.
The club, and several others across Wales, have held swab events and fundraisers in the hope of finding a match and raising money for DKMS UK, a charity dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
And at last Davies has been given the news we have all been hoping for.
He took to social media to share the good news but insisted there was still a long road ahead.
His statement read: “I’ve got a match!
“A week of an extremely intense chemo regime. A week that I’d like to forget in a hurry, but one I don’t think I ever will.
“One day for the body to rest yesterday, with some medication to suppress my immune system ready for transplant.
“Now here we are today, transplant day, day zero and my second chance.
“All the horrible treatment is out of the way.
“We’re on to the business end of the show now.
“Now is when I’m most at risk, while my body is getting used to the new stem cells I’ll be taking medication to keep my immune system working at a bare minimum.
“Which means trouble for me if I come into contact with literally any type of disease or virus!
“I’ll be like a 5ft10 baby walking around for a while, bald, unvaccinated to anything, vulnerable to everything and probably even more emotional towards things than normal.”
Davies will now begin his road to hopeful recovery and has been overwhelmed by the support he has received since he revealed his diagnosis.
His bravery at going public with his news has led to more than 4,000 new registrations to the stem cell donor list.
If you are aged 17-55 and are fit and healthy then please consider becoming a donor by visiting https://bit.ly/3G8tM0R
Thank you for all your support!
