Bristol rugby team clubs together to find bone marrow match for star player

A Bristol rugby club is setting up a walk-in swab test centre in a search for a bone marrow match for a player who desperately needs a transplant.

Star player Ellis Joseph, 26, is in the first team at Old Redcliffians, but he has been diagnosed with leukaemia and needs a life-saving bone marrow transport. 

The team will be hosting a walk-in swab test centre from 9am on Saturday (February 24) at the Old Redcliffians RFC in Scotland Lane, Brislington, to try and find a match for Ellis. The donor test is a simple cheek swab and no needles are involved.

Team mate Chris Pursall said: “As Bristolians, we look after our own and this is an opportunity where you can come and look after somebody and help their family keep hold of their son, a member of the community and a friend.”

According to John Caddick, chairman of the club, Ellis is not only their star player but also a much loved member of their Old Reds family.

John said: “We never expected this for one of our own, but it goes to show the strength of the community. Ellis would do anything for us, so we are doing that for him. He is one of our boys, and he needs help to save his life.”

To register your interest to join the register, please click here and visit @OldRedcliffians for more information.