A Cambridgeshire granddad is hoping people more will come forward to donate their stem cells and give people like him a second chance a life.

Terry Brownbill, a 69-year-old retired journalist and aspiring artist, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in November 2023.

Initially, Terry was misdiagnosed with COVID-19, and his health deteriorated rapidly, leaving him facing a critical battle against a cancer that progresses swiftly. Now his best chance of recovery is a stem cell transplant.

Wisbech Standard: Terry Brownbill was facing a critical diagnosis.Terry Brownbill was facing a critical diagnosis. (Image: FAMILY)

An event is taking place on World Cancer Day (February 4) at Holywell Primary School, in Needingworth, where people can find out more information about the national stem cell register and sign up by filling in a form and have a cheek swab.

Terry's daughter Jess said: "Join us at the Holywell Primary School where your simple act of registering as a stem cell donor could be the lifeline my dad and others desperately need."

Wisbech Standard: erry with his family who are all hoping someone will come forward to donate.erry with his family who are all hoping someone will come forward to donate. (Image: FAMILY)

The event on February 4 has been organised by the blood cancer charity DKMS, who hold the UK’s largest stem cell register. 

Terry's uncommon HLA gene type makes finding a match on the stem cell register a challenge, but Jess has pleaded with the public to help.

"We desperately need to find a stem cell donor match to save dad's life.

I would be forever grateful to every person who joins the register, not only to save my dad's life but potentially save other people.”

Becoming a donor with DKMS means just showing up on the day, completing a form and giving a swab of your cheeks. The charity will then inform you if you are a match.

DKMS spokesperson Deborah Hyde, said “Sadly only three in 10 UK patients needing a stem cell transplant will find a match within their family.

"This means every year thousands of people just like Terry rely on the generosity of strangers registering as potential stem cell donors to give them a second chance at life. So, please sign up."

Can’t come on the day? Order your DKMS swabkit to be sent to your home, free of charge at DKMS.org.uk

The session takes place from 10am - 4.30pm.