MP Harriett Baldwin has urged people to support Malvern blood cancer patient Sheldon Donovan and charity, DKMS.

World Blood Cancer Day (May 28) is now in its 6th year and was established by DKMS in 2014 to support almost 70,000 people searching globally for a blood stem cell donation from outside of their own family.

In the UK alone, over 2,000 people with blood cancer each year have to rely on the kindness of a stranger to give them a second chance of life. Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer, such as leukaemia. Combined, blood cancers are the third most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but less than half of the UK population are aware of blood cancer issues.

Sheldon, 28, a fresh manager for ASDA, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2016 when just 24. Since his diagnosis, he has undergone chemotherapy and had an autologous stem cell operation – where his own stem cells were used to replace his damaged ones. Sadly, this January, his cancer returned for a third time. With all other options exhausted, he now has to rely on the support of an unrelated donor for his survival.

West Worcestershire MP Mrs Baldwin said: “I am delighted to support DKMS this World Blood Cancer Day, and I strongly urge my constituents to stand in solidarity with blood cancer patients. Ours is a strong community, so I’m hopeful that we will all do whatever it takes to help Sheldon, and the others with blood cancer who are desperately searching for their ‘genetic twin’ so they can have a blood stem cell transplant.

“All you have to do is wear something red, and if you’re between 17 and 55 and in good general health you can register with DKMS at www.dkms.org.uk\sheldon.”