JUST over two years ago a big-hearted Black Country football fan gave up the chance of a lifetime to see England play at Wembley in the Euro 2020 semi-final to donate stem cells.
The story of how selfless Sam Astley chose instead to help save a life by donating his stem cells and bone marrow after being declared a match for a patient in need made headlines across the country.
Sam, who signed up to the stem cell register in 2018 at the Olly Wilkes Memorial Football Tournament in Quarry Bank, was hailed a hero for turning down free tickets to the momentous match which had been won by his girlfriend Beth Hill.
The couple instead gave away the tickets and as news of their good deeds spread across social media, the pair were ultimately rewarded with VIP tickets to the final.
Ever since then Sam and Beth, who live in Gornal, Dudley, have been on a mission to encourage people to sign up to the Anthony Nolan register which helps to match blood cancer patients to potential donors who may be able to offer lifesaving donations of stem cells and bone marrow.
Now, just days before the biggest ever Olly Wilkes Memorial Football Tournament is held at St George’s Park – the home of England’s national football teams, critical care nurse Beth has herself been declared a match.
She said: “I can’t believe it. It’s a bit mental.”
Beth, aged 27, signed up to the register in 2018 at the memorial football tournament remembering Brierley Hill footballer Olly Wilkes, at the same time as Sam, now aged 26.
After Sam’s donation and the whirlwind of attention that followed in the summer of 2021 – Beth never in a million years expected to also get the call that she too could be a lifesaver.
She said: “I’m shocked.”
Beth, who works at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said it’s too early to say what will happen as she has only just received notification that she’s been declared a potential match.
She now must wait for tests to determine if she will be called upon to donate stem cells.
She told the News: “I’ve just got to wait and see if I’m a definite match. Hopefully I’ll be able to donate.”
Simon Wilkes, organiser of the Olly Wilkes Memorial Football Tournament remembering his 22-year-old son, was speechless at the news.
He said: “It’s just unbelievable. I am in complete shock.”
This year’s tournament is set to take place at St George’s Park, Staffordshire, on Saturday November 25.
Mr Wilkes has signed up 240 players for the event – the biggest he’s ever organised - which will be followed by an after party at Stourbridge Football Club on the evening.
He said Olly, who died in 2017, loved football and the tournament, which will see Anthony Nolan signing up people for the stem cell register, would be a “fitting tribute” to his much-missed son.
The after party will include a grand raffle draw with a signed Jude Bellingham England shirt up for grabs plus a host of other sports related prizes.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here