Martin Soloman: The Gift of a Lifetime

Although many of us are aware of the health disparities which affect BME communities, it can at times feel that we may not have the knowledge, the resources or simply the time to make a difference. Well here is a chance to make a difference - a life saving difference and you only need 10 minutes.

20-year old Martin Solomon from Salford is battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma for the second time in his short life. He needs a lifesaving transplant.

In December 2007, he was successfully treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and enjoyed four cancer free years where he completed his A-levels and began his degree in Biomedical Science.

About to start the  third year of his degree, Soloman found out a few months ago that he has relapsed and a bone marrow transplant is his only chance of survival.  His two sisters have already been tested and despite a comprehensive search for alternative donors, no suitable donors have been found yet.

Soloman’s family are urging people aged 16-30 to join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register and become potential lifesavers.

The chance of finding a match if you are from a BME background is just 40%, compared to 90% for white northern European patients.

His family have launched a Match4Martin campaign encouraging donors from dual heritage and ethnic minority backgrounds to join the register. 

Soloman's mum Paula is calling for

"anyone who’s eligible to step forward and become potential lifesavers for the 1600 people in the UK who need a bone marrow transplant to live."

She adds,

“Martin is just 20 years old. 10 minutes out of your life could give him the rest of his.”

It only takes 10 minutes to join the register and it is a simple saliva test that is required. No invasive procedures take place throughout the process.
Ten minutes out of your life could give Martin Soloman the rest of his. As a recipient of a life saving transplant myself from my wonderful brother,  I know just how valuable this gift is.

As our thoughts turn to Christmas, you could be the one to give a gift of a lifetime, to this young man, with such a potentially promising future waiting for him.

Join the register online today.

Francine Fernandes