A mother from Bromsgrove who persistently felt exhausted has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia and now urgently requires a stem cell donor to facilitate her recovery. Emilia Shaw, aged 41 and a dedicated nurse with many years of service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, initially attributed her constant tiredness to the demands of her profession and caring for her two young sons, Henry, six, and Felix, four.
From Fatigue to Diagnosis
Emilia's symptoms intensified following the summer months, accompanied by severe pounding headaches that prompted her to visit her GP for a blood test in December. The results were devastating, revealing she has acute myeloid leukaemia, a fast-progressing cancer that impacts the blood and bone marrow. "I was just so tired all the time," Emilia recalls. "I would feel tired at the wheel, and I'd even fallen asleep watching panto with my boys."
A Family History of Cancer
The diagnosis has been particularly distressing for Emilia's family, as they have already endured multiple battles with cancer. Her husband Ben's mother passed away three years ago after a brief fight with the disease. In January 2025, Emilia's own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, undergoing major surgery including a mastectomy and reconstruction. Additionally, Ben's father lives with a chronic form of leukaemia, making cancer a recurrent theme in their lives.
Emilia emphasises the importance of hope, stating, "Knowing that the cancer I have is treatable with a stem cell transplant has meant a lot to us, and I'm hopeful that I'll have a matching donor soon so I can get back to normal life."
Campaigning for Donor Registration
In a selfless move, Emilia is collaborating with DKMS, an international charity focused on combating blood cancers and disorders, to promote stem cell donor registration. She aims to raise awareness and encourage more individuals to join the donor register, increasing the chances of finding a compatible match for herself and others in similar situations.
Symptoms and Urgent Action
Beyond fatigue and headaches, Emilia experienced additional alarming symptoms such as bleeding gums and heavy periods, underscoring the aggressive nature of her condition. Her swift hospitalisation for a blood transfusion immediately after her diagnosis highlights the critical urgency of her situation.
The family's story serves as a poignant reminder of the vital need for stem cell donors. Individuals aged between 17 and 55 in good health are urged to consider registering as potential donors to support patients like Emilia in their fight against blood cancer.
