Meet Mia Harris-Jones, a 17-year-old from South Wales whose life was transformed by the kindness of strangers. In 2023, Mia was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a fast-moving blood cancer that forced her into immediate, intensive treatment.

During her battle, she received more than 40 life-saving blood and platelet transfusions, each one a critical support that helped her body withstand chemotherapy and continue fighting. Those transfusions weren’t just medical necessities; they were moments of hope gifted by people she’ll likely never meet.

In her own words:

“Those donations came from people I’ll probably never meet, but they made a huge difference. Blood donors helped keep me strong enough to carry on. Leukaemia changes how you see the world. It teaches you that your life can depend on the kindness of strangers.”

While Mia was undergoing treatment at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, she became a supportive “big sister” figure to younger patients, demonstrating compassion even while facing her own toughest challenges.

She didn’t stop at surviving she started advocating. Mia has shared her story widely, including speaking at the Welsh Senedd to raise awareness of childhood and teenage cancers, and was recognised as a finalist for Young Volunteer of the Year 2025 at the Welsh Charity Awards.

Her mother, Jade, reflects on how essential those donations were, saying:

“As a parent of a child who’s undergone treatment for leukaemia, I’ve seen firsthand how vital blood donations are. To everyone who donates blood or platelets, thank you for giving families like ours hope.”

Mia has now finished chemotherapy and is looking forward to ringing the bell to mark the end of her treatment, a milestone celebrated by cancer patients everywhere.