Life-saver Andy urges more people to become crucial stem cell donors

A Crieff man can celebrate Christmas this year knowing he has given the best gift of all to a total stranger - a second chance at life - after matching with a patient in urgent need of a stem cell transplant.

- STAFF REPORTER

Andy Robertson (44) had signed up as a stem cell donor with blood cancer charity DKMS after seeing a television report about someone with blood cancer searching for a compatible donor.

Andy - who runs a residential outdoors centre for children - was given a call out of the blue last year presenting him with the literal lifesaving opportunity.

He was then flown to London by the blood cancer charity, where he underwent the procedures to give the donation.

Strict anonymity rules governing stem cell donation mean that all Andy currently knows about the person who received his stem cells is a woman in the UK of about the same age as him - an amazing gift for a total stranger.

"If it means I can benefit someone, then why not?" he says modestly.