Birthdays with new meanings - thanks to all xx
10 April 2026The 5th April 2026, was my 49th birthday, a day I truly wasn’t sure I would be here to celebrate.
On 26th April 2024, I was diagnosed with one of the rarest blood cancers, myelofibrosis. It was picked up on a routine blood test. By the time it was found, the cancer was already advanced & time was not on my side. The only cure was a stem cell transplant, ideally from a 100% donor match. Despite searching a worldwide database of over 40 million donors, no match was found. Our next best chance was my son Daniel — a 50% match — even then, there were uncertainties.
On 2nd September 2025, Shona & I moved to Auckland for treatment. I spent 8 wks in hospital undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, followed by my transplant on 19th September, receiving stem cells from my hero, Daniel.
From that moment, the fight began. My body battled hard against the new cells, but Daniel’s cells fought harder. Those weeks were the toughest of my life. I was critically unwell and closer to death than I can put into words — but giving up was never an option.
Through it all, Shona was by my side 24/7. My soulmate & my rock — she showed incredible strength, love, and resilience through the most terrifying time of our lives. She was only able to stay with me thanks to the Givealittle page, which raised $30,000. To those who gave so Shona could stay by my side — thank you. We are forever humbled by the love and support from our village, near and far. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you 🥰