Salford Man Recovers After Stem Cell Transplant From Brother At The Christie

A stem cell transplant Christie specialists performed has allowed a Salford man to recover from a rare blood cancer for the second time. John Blackston, 46, received donor cells from his younger brother, David.

Stem Cell Transplant Christie Facilitates Recovery

Mr Blackston, a father-of-three, first collapsed at home in November 2022. He was diagnosed with MPAL, a rare blood cancer. This condition affects bone marrow and accounts for less than 5 percent of all leukaemia cases. John's wife took him to hospital after his daughter found him. Clinicians noted he was critically unwell, also suffering from sepsis.

Following chemotherapy, Mr Blackston received his first stem cell transplant in April 2023. This procedure took place at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The donor was a 21-year-old individual from Israel. The Christie is a specialist cancer centre located in Manchester.

The initial transplant proved successful. Mr Blackston returned home in May 2023. However, in July 2025, symptoms of the leukaemia reappeared. "I'd been doing a 10-mile run and just felt unusually out of breath," Mr Blackston stated. He contacted his GP for blood tests. "A few days later, The Christie rang me to say the leukaemia was back."

Mr Blackston immediately contacted his brother, David, 42. David lives in New York with his family. He had previously been identified as a suitable donor. This outcome carries approximately a 1-in-4 chance for siblings. At that time, David was unable to donate due to anaemia. He subsequently prepared for a potential future donation, including having iron infusions.

New tests confirmed David's suitability to donate. In October, he travelled from the United States to Manchester. The procedure took place at The Christie. Mr Blackston shared a pizza with his brother the night before. "When your brother is about to save your life, it's a different type of bond," he reflected.

David's stem cells were collected over approximately six hours. "It was like an out of body experience," David said. "Not many people get to witness that." He described the donation process as straightforward. David also commended the staff at The Christie. "The personality of the staff put us at ease," he noted.

Clinical Insight and Patient Outcomes

Mr Blackston is now recovering effectively from the transplant. His latest results indicate significant progress. 99.5% of the cells in his blood are from his brother’s donation. Stem cell transplants replace damaged cells with healthy donor cells. This allows the body to produce normal blood cells once more.

Mr Blackston believes a strong mindset aided his recovery. He now intends to support others. His family previously raised over £500,000 for local services. This was achieved through 'Leukas Aid,' a charity established by his mother. These funds helped develop a specialist leukaemia ward in Manchester.

"It's strange how things come full circle," Mr Blackston commented. He hopes to raise awareness and support research into rare leukaemia. "I'm feeling good and getting back to normal," he concluded. "I've been out running again, doing some boxing classes, and just taking things day by day. I know how lucky I am."

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official clinical data from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Document: Brother flies from New York to donate stem cells after rare blood cancer returns Source Link: https://christie.nhs.uk/about-us/news-at-the-christie/latest-news-stories/brother-flies-from-new-york-to-donate-stem-cells-after-rare-blood-cancer-returns

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