Welsh father calls for blood donors after saving son's life

Leader Live

13-06-2025

Seven-year-old Jasper Hodgson-Smith, from Swansea, was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening blood disorder called Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS).
His father, Matt, was found to be a perfect stem cell match, giving Jasper a second chance at life.
Matt donating stem cells (Image: Welsh Blood Service) The family is now sharing their story during National Blood Donor Week, which runs from June 9 to 15, to encourage more people across Wales to donate blood and stem cells through the Welsh Blood Service.
Sophie Hodgson-Smith, Jasper's mother, said: "From eight months old, Jasper exhibited numerous symptoms, including lethargy, persistent high temperatures, and a lack of appetite.
"Due to the rarity of his blood disorder, it took a long time to identify his condition, which was thought to be chest infections, meaning he was regularly prescribed antibiotics and admitted to hospital around six to eight times a year."
Matt with his son (Image: Welsh Blood Service) APDS is extremely rare, with Jasper believed to be the only child in Wales with the condition and one of just 35 patients in the UK.
APDS affects the immune system, and for young patients, a stem cell transplant is often the only curative treatment.
Jasper's care involved multiple blood and platelet transfusions, immunoglobulin replacement therapy, chemotherapy, and ultimately a stem cell transplant.
Only one in four patients in the UK will find a family member who is a suitable match.
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Mr Hodgson-Smith said: "Blood disorders are as life-threatening as cancer and require just as much resilience.
"Some people think donating stem cells may be painful or invasive.
"For me, the process was simple.
"I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant saving someone's life."
He donated his stem cells through peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, a procedure that collects stem cells from the bloodstream using a special machine.
Jasper's mother said he remained positive throughout his treatment.
She said: "Despite everything he's faced, Jasper has remained incredibly strong and full of life—always dancing, singing, and making people smile, even during the toughest days.
"Once Jasper is feeling fit and well, we are looking forward to spending more time as a family and have lots of beach walks and adventures planned with our dog, Pip."
The Hodgson-Smith family hopes their story will inspire more people across North Wales and beyond to consider donating blood or stem cells.
The need for donors is ongoing, with more than 15,000 blood donations required annually in North Wales alone to support patients at hospitals including Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Wrecsam Maelor.
Frank Murphy, who lives in Wirral but worked at HMP Berwyn near Wrexham, was recently recognised by the Welsh Blood Service for helping to potentially save more than 1,200 lives.
Not only has he donated blood more than 40 times, but he also encouraged colleagues at HMP Berwyn to donate on more than 400 occasions.
Mr Murphy said: "Giving and supporting others to give blood and to save lives has, in my eyes, always been a must and a duty, and encouraging others to donate is a great feeling."
Appointments to donate are available in Mold on June 9, Bangor on June 10, and Llandudno on June 13, with further dates available across the region.
To find out more about donating blood, platelets, or stem cells, visit www.wbs.wales/NBDW25 or call 0800 252 266.