Rebecca's Story

Regular platelet donor Rebecca Gardiner never thought that one day she would be relying on the support of fellow donors to help keep her alive.

This is Rebecca’s story –

Working for many years as a midwife and within the nursing profession at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, forty-three year old Rebecca realised something was not right when she noticed the whites of her eyes were yellow and her stomach had swollen.

After a number of tests, a CT scan confirmed her worst fear – Rebecca was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was facing the battle of her life.

Rebecca was taken to theatre for a biliary bypass and five weeks later underwent major surgery to remove a tumour. During her operation Rebecca received many blood transfusions.

In February 2011, Rebecca started a six month course of chemotherapy at Velindre Hospital and during her treatment will require regular platelet transfusions.

Rebecca is drawing strength from her family and added “I have seen the difference blood products can make from personal experience and a professional level. We take it for granted platelets and blood will be there waiting in our hospitals in our time of need but the reality is, unless donors come forward they won’t be there. My friends and family are asking how they can help – I’m asking everyone who is able to become a regular donor and help patients like me”.