A stem cell donor reunion like no other unfolded in Lincolnshire last week, as an Australian cancer survivor made an emotional journey to thank the stranger who gave him his life back.
Luke Melling, 31, travelled more than 10,000 miles from Melbourne to Grantham to meet his stem cell donor, Alastair Hawken. It was a moment years in the making.
Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in his teens, Mr Melling reached a critical point in 2022—no treatments were left. His only hope? A compatible stem cell donor.
Matching for a stem cell transplant is far from simple. It depends on highly specific tissue types. When Mr Melling’s sister was ruled out, fear set in. “It was terrifying,” he recalled.
With no match available in Australia, his medical team turned to international registries. Against all odds, a match surfaced—Alastair Hawken, a 51-year-old father-of-three from Lincolnshire, who had joined the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry over a decade earlier.
Mr Hawken had signed up while donating blood, inspired by the memory of his late mother, who had required multiple transfusions during her cancer treatment.
“Joining the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry whilst at one of these regular appointments was a no-brainer,” he said. Fourteen years later, he received a life-changing call—he was a match.
“I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Donating my stem cells was so simple – it was a few hours of sitting, watching TV and having snacks brought to me,” said Mr Hawken.
His stem cells were collected in April 2022, frozen, and shipped to Australia. A month later, Mr Melling underwent the transplant. It was a turning point.
“In 2023, after the stem cell transplant, I started to feel like myself again – I ran a marathon, I travelled, I lived life in a way that hadn’t been possible for me for so long – and that’s all thanks to Alastair,” he said.
The two finally embraced at Avenham Park in Preston last Friday. “I never thought this moment would come. To meet you is a blessing, it completes the circle,” said Mr Hawken.
The heartfelt stem cell donor reunion marked a full-circle moment for both men. Their powerful story is now being used to raise awareness and encourage others to join the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry.
“Knowing that it was the last treatment option for me and that I was relying on the kindness of strangers… Thankfully, there was a match there – a man in the UK, who I now know to be Alastair.
Meeting Alastair in person is a dream come true. What do you say to the person who has given you your life back by literally giving a part of themselves?” said Mr Melling.
Lilian Hook from NHS Blood and Transplant praised the inspiring meeting.
“They are two people who live on opposite sides of the world, and yet now have this remarkable story and bond to share. It really does go to show the importance of stem cell donation and the real tangible difference it can make,” she said.
Joining the registry is easy. Eligible blood donors aged 17 to 40 can simply ask at their next appointment. “You could get the call asking you to help out,” added Ms Hook.
This extraordinary stem cell donor reunion is more than just a feel-good story—it’s a call to action. Alastair’s simple, selfless act saved Luke’s life. Their bond, forged through science and kindness, is now a symbol of hope.
For those considering becoming a stem cell donor, this story is proof. A decision made today could give someone on the other side of the world the gift of tomorrow.
