A man took part in the British Transplant Games to raise money for a charity that helped save his life.

Louis Adkin, from Rye, was told in April 2025 that his blood condition had developed into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of the bone marrow and blood.

He needed a stem cell donor, and through the Anthony Nolan charity it was discovered his sister was a 100 per cent match.

Louis said: “My aunt on my mum's side had a successful bone marrow transplant for leukemia when I was very young. It was then suspected it might be hereditary when my mum unfortunately passed away from respiratory failure caused by pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonia resulting from leukaemia. She was 36.

“At 12 years old I had a blood test as a standard follow-up for an unrelated medication and the results, combined with the family history, set alarm bells ringing. Luckily, the results were due to the medication; however, genetics tests uncovered a GATA-2 mutation. My brother and sister were thankfully fine.”

A GATA-2 mutation is a rare genetic change that causes problems with blood cells, the immune system, and swelling.

Louis added: “Following consultation with the experts at King's College Hospital it was decided that we'd take a monitor and wait approach to treatment. I had regular blood tests to monitor the condition but the idea was to wait as long as possible. This was partly in the remote hope it was not needed but also to give medical science more time, as huge strides were and have been made in this area.

“Early in October 2024 I was sat at work when I had a TIA (mini-stroke). I couldn't talk or move the right side of my body.

“I had eight TIAs in total that day though I was very fortunate not to have any lasting effects from that.

“I was let out the next day but over the next few weeks I ended up going in and out of hospital quite regularly.

“During one of those hospital visits in November 2024 I had at least another 10 TIAs. Blood tests and bone marrow biopsies followed and a month later it was confirmed that although it was not leukaemia at that point, it was clearly heading that way.

“The TIAs resulted from my immune system causing my blood to thicken from overproducing cells and clogging up the blood vessels. A transplant was arranged and King's ran my profile through Anthony Nolan, as well as testing my brother and sister who both very kindly put themselves forward.

“My sister ended up being a 100 per cent match. which is uncommon even amongst siblings. She matched through both King's and Anthony Nolan because she had signed up for their register years beforehand.”

Louis took part in the British Transplant Games, which were held in Sheffield from August 6 to 9.

He said he set up a Gofundme page to help raise money for Antony Nolan, as well as towards covering essential expenses like travel, accommodation, and entry fees for the games.

Louis said: “Everything raised beyond those basics goes directly to Anthony Nolan and the incredible work they do.”

More than £2,300 was raised.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/british-transplant-games-in-aid-of-anthony-nolan.