Stem cell hero England fan told he saved a life

England fan who turned down tickets to their Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark so he could donate stem cells is told he helped save someone’s life as a result

• Sam Astley, 24, missed England v Denmark to help a stranger needing stem cells
• His sacrifice garnered praise from the likes of Gary Linekers and others
• He was rewarded with tickets to watch the EURO 2020 final back in June
• 100 days later, he has been told his donation saved the life of someone in need 

A man who gave up his tickets to watch England play at Wembley in EURO 2020 becomes a hero after making a lifesaving stem cell donation.

Sam Astley, 24, passed up the chance to watch England beat Denmark in the semi-finals of EURO 2020 in July of this year to help a stranger who needed emergency treatment.

After discovering he was a donor match, he signed up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register and to his shock and disbelief discovered the procedure in London was the same day as the match.

Sam, from Dudley in the West Midlands, said he has no regrets at turning down the chance to watch Gareth Southgate’s men reach the Euro 2020 final.

Sam donated stem cells on the day of England’s EURO 2020 semi-final win against Denmark

But, after receiving praise on Twitter from the likes of BBC’s Gary Lineker, Sam and his girlfriend, Beth Hill, 25, were given VIP tickets, courtesy of Vivo, to see England play in the final.

Now, more than 100 days on, Sam has received an early Christmas present – the gift of knowing his donation successfully helped to save a life.

Sam, a buyer for a Worcester-based manufacturing technology company, said news of the unknown recipient reaching the 100-day milestone ‘is really positive news which is great.’

Despite the recipients’ details remaining confidential, Sam said he is permitted to write an anonymous letter.

He said: ‘I might take them up on that and wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.’

Kind-hearted Sam underwent treatment at The London Clinic on July 7 and said ‘his back hurt slightly for five days’ but had ‘little ill affect from the treatment.’

Kind-hearted Sam (pictured) underwent treatment at The London Clinic on July 7 and said ‘his back hurt slightly for five days’ but had ‘little ill affect from the treatment

He said: ‘After two weeks I was back to full energy. I was quite nervous before but I had no side effects; it really was quite easy from my side.’

After a successful stint in hospital to harvest the bone marrow needed, selfless Sam added: ‘I’d do it again if somebody asked me to.’

It was all arranged by a family friend, Simon Wilkes, who himself has a rare form of blood cancer.

Simon, of Brierley Hill, West Midlands, organised the event at which Sam signed up to the Anthony Nolan register.

Sam signed up to the register at a memorial football match organised in memory of Simon’s son, Olly Wilkes, who took his own life aged 22.

Simon, 57, has praised the ‘amazing’ efforts of Sam, and has said ‘there are no words to describe what Sam did.’

It was thanks to Simon’s social media posts praising Sam’s lifesaving gesture, that turned Sam and his girlfriend Beth, critical care nurse from Cradley Heath, into national heroes.

Sam and his girlfriend, Beth Hill, 25, were given VIP tickets, courtesy of Vivo, to see England play in the final against Italy

Henny Braund MBE, chief executive of blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, said: ‘Sam’s story captured the attention of the entire country during an exciting Euros tournament.

‘In sharing his donation experience, 1,500 people were inspired to apply to join the Anthony Nolan register.

‘To put it simply, this equals 1,500 more chances for patients hoping for a second chance of life, but there is more to do.

Sam signed up to the register at a memorial football match organised in memory of Olly Wilkes, who took his own life aged 22

‘Young men aged 16 to 30 are most likely to be chosen to donate which is why we’re urging them to please consider signing up online at anthonynolan.org to potentially save a life, just like Sam.’

She said it was great to receive a positive update on Sam’s story, adding: ‘For Sam to receive news of the patient’s wellbeing, so close to Christmas, must have been really comforting. We wish them all the very best as they continue their recovery.’

The charity is particularly looking to encourage more men aged 16 to 30 to join the Anthony Nolan register as they are the most likely to be chosen to donate.

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