Hope 52 Inspires: Preston College Staff Member Saves a Life Through Stem Cell Donation

With Hope 52 now complete, we’ve been reflecting on the incredible stories shared by staff about the support they’ve given – and the lives they’ve helped change. Their experiences have been nothing short of exceptional. Here is one of our colleagues who has truly gone above and beyond.

When Sam learned about the opportunity to help people with cancer, she immediately joined the stem cell donor register. For a while, she heard nothing. Then, in November 2022, she received a call telling her she was a “perfect match.”In January 2023, she had the privilege of donating her stem cells and giving someone a second chance at life.

“I had no idea who they were or where they were from, but it didn’t matter – I knew I was helping someone in need. Shortly after, I found out I had donated 10 million stem cells, which were frozen and sent to America.”

When you donate stem cells, both the donor and the patient remain anonymous for two years. After that, either person can request contact. Sam chose to leave the decision to the patient, knowing they were the one undergoing a life‑saving procedure.

As January 2025 arrived, she waited hopefully for an email – but nothing came. In August 2025, she reached out again, still with no reply. What she didn’t know was that the patient was still undergoing treatment for leukaemia and only discovered she was cancer‑free in August 2025.

During the Easter holidays, Sam received an email from the charity: the patient had requested to lift the anonymity and make contact. Sam immediately said yes. They began emailing, and Sam learned that the woman she helped is a mother, grandmother, and wife from Mississippi.

It has been an incredibly emotional experience connecting with the woman who is, in Sam’s words, her genetic twin.

“Every message between us is heartfelt and emotional. We’re now arranging for her to come to the UK so we can meet in person. I joined the stem cell register because I believe in humanity – and I hope that if I or someone I love ever needed the kindness of a stranger, someone out there would step forward.”

Stories like Sam’s remind us why Hope 52 matters – and why your support makes a real difference.

If you’d like to continue supporting the cause, please donate what you can today https://bit.ly/3ORgtJs