URGENT: Mixed-Race Donor Appeal for Cancer Patient

A urgent appeal has been made for stem cell donors, especially from mixed-race backgrounds, to help save the life of Beth Doherty. The 31-year-old was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in late March and requires a stem cell transplant to prevent the cancer's return. Doherty's doctors have explained that finding a compatible match is more difficult due to her mixed-race heritage, a common challenge for individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Despite undergoing two rounds of intensive chemotherapy, Doherty faces an 80% chance of the cancer recurring if she does not receive a transplant. The procedure offers her the only chance of long-term survival. Charity DKMS highlights that only 7% of the population are registered donors, with a mere 16% from ethnic minority backgrounds, underscoring the critical need for greater diversity in the donor pool. Doherty is now actively urging more people to join the stem cell donor register.