Southampton couple to run ABP marathon after 'shocking' diagnosis

Beth Givens and Will Hutchison have shared their story after Will was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease.

The 25-year-old art gallery worker needed an urgent stem cell transplant at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

Will went to his GP with concerns after he noticed red spots and bruising on his skin.

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He was rushed to the emergency department at UHS and was admitted to hospital.

Tests over the next two weeks revealed that he had a rare and very severe auto-immune disease called aplastic anaemia.

Beth Givens and Will Hutchison. (Image: Beth Givens)

This is where his immune system attacked the cells the bone marrow was creating.

Beth, a barista, said his diagnosis was "a lot to process".

"We were shocked as he is only 25 years old," she said. "His diagnosis was a lot to process.

"He had regular blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy, and other organ function tests in preparation for a stem cell transplant.

"The diagnosis meant that he would pick up infections more easily, and it would be harder for his body to fight them."

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Will spent two weeks fighting an infection in a cancer ward in the hospital in June and by July he pick up another infection.

He had to spend around five months on the C6 cancer ward in isolation ready for the transplant.

He was given a round of chemotherapy to destroy the abnormal stem cells and blood cells in his body.

On October 13, Will received his stem cell transplant.

Will Hutchison in hospital. (Image: Will Hutchison)

Will said: "The cells were donated from a 37-year-old German man on the European Bone Marrow Transplant registry.

"The first few weeks after the transplant were pretty rough for me as I was dealing with the side effects of the chemotherapy treatment. This included nausea, sickness, and fatigue.

"The staff were really friendly and kind to me. They were so helpful, and I always felt well looked after."

"The staff work so hard and have been so supportive through what was a really difficult time for me."

Now, the couple is taking on the Southampton ABP Marathon to raise money for Southampton Hospitals Charity.

Beth said: "I have never run a race before, so I am excited to take on this challenge.

"We are so thankful for all the amazing work that the hospital continues to do for Will."

To support the couple, visit www.southamptonhospitalscharity.enthuse.com/pf/beth-givens-51bfb