British war hero launches global stem-cell donor appeal after life-threatening diagnosis

Chris Gordon, a 43-year-old former RAF Chinook pilot who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for shielding 31 troops in Afghanistan, has been diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia, a rare condition that halts bone-marrow blood-cell production. Doctors have told him a stem-cell transplant is essential within the next few months, yet a full genetic match remains elusive; his brother Jonathan is only a half-match and worldwide registers are being examined.

Because Gordon is half Jamaican, the probability of finding a match is lower, prompting him to partner with the blood-cancer charity DKMS to launch an appeal for donors worldwide. He undergoes blood transfusions twice a week and resides in Los Angeles, working as a director at a helicopter company, while his wife expects a baby boy. Gordon urges the public to join the donor registry, noting the process is simple and could save lives like his.