Adam cheats death twice in fight against leukaemia (From Western Telegraph)

Adam cheats death twice in fight against leukaemia

ADAM Evans-Thomas knows just how precious life is. For nine years he has battled against chronic myloid leukaemia. And, over the last three months, he has twice been close to death.

It is a miracle he has survived. And it's due to his own incredible determination and optimism, innovative medical technology, the fantastic care from his doctors and nurses, and the unswerving support of family and friends.

He recently spent eight weeks in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. There he underwent groundbreaking treatment - receiving new stem cells from his brother Leigh and father Martin. But he also suffered open wounds on his body and was then hit by a pneumonia-type virus.

He is now back with his family at Bramble Hall, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest. His mother Chris is amazed at his continuing recovery. "He just won't give up," she said. "There were times we did not think he would survive. But he did and the good news is that because he has fought off the infection there is a chance the leukaemia could go away for a long time."

Over the years, Adam has undergone treatment which ranges from chemotherapy to an autogolous transplant, when your bone marrow is taken out of your body and cleaned before being put back.

He has been given an amazing number of blood transfusions. During his time in Cardiff hospital alone, he received blood from 190 separate donors.

He has also had donations of platelets, which act as plugs to ensure blood clots. It takes four blood donors to produce one bag of platelets.

Since he was diagnosed with leukaemia nine years ago, the search has been on to find a suitable matching bone marrow donor for Adam but without success.

Together with family and friends, Adam launched a major campaign to encourage more people to give blood and go on the bone marrow transplant list.

His mother Chris is the Pembrokeshire representative of the British Bone Donor Marrow Appeal, which works alongside the Welsh Blood Service and has raised £45,000 for the cause.

Adam now has a new appeal. He is urging more people to come forward as platelets, as well as blood donors. "Until something like this touches your life, or that of a member of your family or friend, you have now idea about the dire need for blood and platelets," said Adam.

Adam Evans-Thomas is pictured above with his mother Chris. PICTURE: Western Telegraph (WTNO972H03).