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Euan and Arran Macleod inspire local physiotherapist to raise over £1000 for Anthony Nolan


By Jean Gunn

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Ruth Manson presenting the cheque for Anthony Nolan to Euan and Arran Macleod.
Ruth Manson presenting the cheque for Anthony Nolan to Euan and Arran Macleod.

The remarkable story of how two brothers from Reay owe their life to donors following a successful stem cell transplant inspired a local woman to raise £1115 for Anthony Nolan.

Euan Macleod (15) and his 12-year-old brother Arran were both diagnosed with a rare genetic immune system condition nine years ago.

The brothers' physiotherapist Ruth Manson decided to sell crystal bracelets she had been making during lockdown and give all of the proceeds to the charity that makes lifesaving connections between patients in need and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells.

"After hearing that Euan and Arran Macleod owe their lives to a successful stem cell transplant from donors on the Anthony Nolan register I wanted to do something to help," said Ruth.

"I had started making bracelets for friends and family in lockdown so decided to try raise money and awareness of the lifesaving work of Anthony Nolan, using Facebook to sell bracelets to friends.

"I was humbled by the response and was delighted to raise £1115 which I presented to the brave Macleod brothers who represented Anthony Nolan."

She added: "I was also touched by the stories and experiences people shared of lives lost and saved, and of how valued Anthony Nolan's work is for those whose lives have been devastated by blood cancer.

"If you are aged 16-30 please consider supporting Anthony Nolan to save more lives of blood cancer patients by registering as a potential donor. The gift of life is the most precious you can ever give."

Mum Janet Macleod explained that in 2013, after Euan, then aged six, suffered another in a series of serious and frightening illnesses, both her sons were finally diagnosed with the rare genetic immune system condition chronic granulomatous disorder (CGD).

She pointed out: "This is a life limiting condition where the body cannot fight infection and we were advised at the time that although Arran might last a little longer, we would be lucky if Euan lived to see his teens.

"As you can imagine, that is devastating news for any parent to hear and we were so relieved when we heard that there was a chance for the boys in the form of stem cell transplants from an unrelated donor.

"That is where Anthony Nolan and their register of selfless and generous donors came in. We were so very lucky that donors were found for both our boys and because of that we still have them with us today.

"We wanted to raise money for the charity in order to give something back and have been helped in that by a number of kind friends over the years. Ruth very generously offered to help our fund raising efforts by making her lovely bracelets and selling them on behalf of Anthony Nolan and has raised a wonderful amount – we are so very grateful to her for all her hard work and support."


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