A KINDHEARTED blood donor has urged everyone who can to register to become a “lifesaver in waiting.”

Patrick Cannon, who helped save a complete strangers life, has spoken of his experience and alongside charity DKMS, has urged anyone who is able to consider registering as blood stem cell donors.

As part of Blood Cancer Awareness month, Patrick, 28, from Leigh, revealed his painless experience in saving someone else’s life.

DKMS, a blood cancer charity, is urging people across the county to help as there is an “urgent need for registrations.”

The foundation say there are seeing a worrying rise in the gap in supply of blood stem cell donors and the demand for a blood stem cell transplant.

Mr Cannon saved a strangers life 16 months after he registered with DKMS. He said: “It was a surreal feeling, getting the call.

“I was nervous initially, then it sunk in and you realise someone is counting on you – you could be the one to help save their life

“The donation was not painful at all and I just kept thinking about the person I was donating to. I was thinking about what they were going through, and how brave they are.

“I got to lie down and watch TV whilst the machines did their thing, removing my blood stem cells through a needle in my arm.

“The impact you could have on another person’s life is huge.

“The registration process is quick and the donation process is straightforward too.

“By registering you could make such a difference and I would urge anyone that can to take that first step and become a lifesaver in waiting.”

Taking the first steps to register as a potential blood stem cell donor can be done within a few minutes from inside your own home.

The charity insist the donation process is not invasive.

Jonathan Pearce, Chief Executive of DKMS UK, added: “Knowing that the reason a lot of people haven’t registered as a blood stem cell donor is due to misunderstanding is in some way positive.

“It means this Blood Cancer Awareness Month we have an opportunity to drive lifesaving action by simply shouting about how straightforward, yet vital the blood stem cell donation process is.

“At DKMS, we are dedicated to the fight against blood cancer.

“Yet, the number of donors sadly comes nowhere near to meeting the demand from people desperately seeking a vital donation from a complete stranger.

“The potential imminent spike in blood cancer diagnoses will mean even more will need to rely on the kindness of a stranger to give them extra time with their loved ones.”