‘Completely overwhelmed by the response’ – Nearly 10,000 people answer call to help save Horsham-born baby’s life

Eleven-month-old Ellis Feldon, who is from Chulmleigh, North Devon but was born in Horsham, has been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder affecting the immune system and blood cells.

His family have been told that his only option for a cure is a stem cell transplant, but despite tens of millions of potential donors registered worldwide, there are currently no suitable matching donors for Ellis.

Working alongside blood cancer charity DKMS UK, Ellis’ parents, Matt and Caitlin, launched an appeal to encourage more people to join the stem cell donor register and give their little boy the best possible chance of finding a match.

Currently just seven per cent of the eligible UK population are currently registered as donors, meaning thousands of patients facing blood cancer and other serious blood disorders may struggle to find a suitable match.

Following an initial wave of support on social media, the family’s appeal reached an even wider audience when it was picked up by national media on Friday, November 6.

The campaign began to generate an incredible surge in public interest. Between Friday and Sunday alone, almost 10,000 people requested a free cheek swab kit online so that they could join the donor register, on top of the hundreds of people who had already responded to Ellis’ appeal.

Friday marked DKMS UK's biggest 24-hour period for online registrations in several years, making the campaign one of the charity's most successful donor recruitment appeals in recent times.

Now, as the kits begin to reach people's homes, Ellis’ family and DKMS UK are asking everyone who has requested one to take the next step: complete the simple, painless cheek swabs and return them so they can be tested and added to the register.

“We have been completely overwhelmed by the response,” says Ellis’ dad, Matt. “When we first shared our story, we hoped it would encourage more people to sign up, but almost 10,000 people in one weekend is incredible.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to read Ellis’ story, and decided to do something to help. But the next step is just as important.

“If you've ordered a kit, please take a few minutes to complete your cheek swabs and send them back, it could change lives.

“We're still hoping that somewhere out there is someone who could be the perfect match for Ellis. But even if you aren't a match for him, you could be the person who gives another family the news they've been waiting for.”

While the response has been remarkable, the search for Ellis’ match continues. His medical team has advised that delaying his transplant is not recommended, and the family are still hoping that a perfect donor match will be found.

DKMS UK spokesperson Bronagh Hughes said: “DKMS UK is delighted by the extraordinary response to Ellis’ appeal. We are hugely grateful to the thousands of people who have come forward to help, but particularly to Ellis’ family.

“Thanks to their efforts, new donors will be matched to more patients who are searching for their lifesaving match. Everyone who has signed up is increasing the odds for Ellis, and patients like him.

“The generosity of Ellis’ family in sharing their story will go on to save lives around the country, and around the world.

“However requesting a kit is only the first step. We are now encouraging everyone who has received one to complete their cheek swabs and return them as soon as possible, so they can be tested and added to the register.

“Every completed registration represents another potential match for someone waiting for a transplant.”

Ellis’ family are also encouraging anyone who hasn't yet signed up to order a kit from the DKMS UK website. Anyone aged 16 to 55 and in general good health can register as a potential stem cell donor.

Signing up is simple: answer a few health questions and complete three painless cheek swabs at home using a free kit ordered from DKMS.

“We are only just getting started,” says Matt. “This response has been phenomenal, and we’re going to do everything we can to replicate it over the coming weeks.

“Ellis turns one at the end of November, and we’d love to see how many people we can get on the register in time for his birthday. It would be the best present for all of us.”

Most people who join the register will never be called to donate. However, if you are identified as a match, you could give someone with blood cancer or a serious blood disorder another chance at life.

Nine out of ten stem cell donations are completed through the blood, in a non-surgical procedure similar to donating blood platelets. DKMS supports donors throughout the process.

To order your free registration kit, or to find out more about stem cell donation, visit dkms.org.uk.

If you have already requested a kit, please remember to complete your cheek swabs and return them to DKMS UK.