UB1 tribute to Daniel De Gale (17.10.08)

Special reportage By Maya Simeon

Tributes, well-wishes and prayers are still flooding in from the Christian community following the death of Daniel De-Gale – the brave, young Londoner who raised the profile of bone marrow donation in the black community as a Leukaemia sufferer. Maya Simeon takes a look back on his life and the inspirational legacy he has left behind in Britain and beyond...

Daniel De-Gale, a former Leukaemia sufferer, sadly passed away last Wednesday (8 October). Diagnosed with the disease at the age of just six, he went through two years of grueling chemotherapy treatment. It was then discovered he needed a life-saving bone marrow transplant. A worldwide search was launched yet no match was found due to the severe lack of black donors on the register. Matches are racially specific, meaning patients need a transplant from their ethnic group.

To their horror, his parents, Bev De-Gale and Orin Lewis, discovered there were a mere 550 black people on the national register and so decided to work towards a resolution by setting up the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) 12 years ago. It not only to helped Daniel but others like him. Over the years, the orgainsation has been a source of strength to thousands of leukaemia sufferers, their families and friends. The incredible efforts of the movement were recognised with the ‘Pride of Britain’ award in 2006.

When Daniel was 12, a suitable donor was finally found, and in June 1999 he received a bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital. In time, he recovered and started to live a normal life, which was all he wanted. Due to his success story, as well as the fact he was the primary motivation for the ACLT being set up, Daniel became a source of inspiration and hope, and worked alongside his parents to raise awareness and increase donors on the register.

Christians, especially from the black community, have also responded to the lack of black donors crisis by getting involved with the ACLT. A number of Gospel artists have performed at the ‘Gift of Life’ ball, including Four Kornerz, while many church leaders have urged their congregations to be step forward and be involved.

Daniel was in remission and studying at university while continuing to be instrumental in campaigns (even as recently as two weeks prior to his death), but complications with his health led to multiple organ failures and he died in hospital surrounded by his family.

His parents have expressed their gratitude for all the love and tributes that have been flooding in and vow to continue their campaign, because it’s what Daniel would have wanted. They are urging people to keep supporting the charity, specifically encouraging people of African-Caribbean origin to be pro-active and get on the bone marrow register.

When ACLT was set up, there was approximately 1 in 250,000 chance of finding a compatible bone marrow donor for people of African-Caribbean heritage. Statistics are currently 1 in 100,000 - raising numbers on the register to 22,000 – an amazing achievement yet still devastatingly low compared to a 1 in five chance for Caucasians.

Daniel’s legacy will endure for generations, but the need for more black donors is still urgently needed to prevent tragic loss. The ACLT frequently runs recruitment drives all over the country for bone marrow and blood donors. Presentations  are also carried out providing comprehensive information to dispel fears, misconceptions and the overall ignorance of a very simple procedure which could potentially save a life.

Please visit www.aclt.org for more information.