A LIFESAVING stem cell donor who was inspired by Ulverston's 'bucket list' teenager Alice Pyne has been shortlisted for Donor Champion of the Year

Sean Hagan, of Askam-in-Furness, has been named one of the finalists in the prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2015.

Now in their third year, the awards celebrate, recognise and thank those 'outstanding' supporters who keep the pioneering blood cancer charity moving forward.

Sean has supported the Anthony Nolan charity since joining the register in May 2011, inspired by Miss Pyne's national appeal for donors.

The terminally-ill teenager, who suffered from Hodgkin's lymphoma, hit international headlines after drawing up a bucket list of things she would like to achieve before her life ended. She died in 2013 aged just 17, after achieving every one of her ambitions.

Sean said that when he went home after joining the register, he told his mum, “I know I’m going to donate to someone, I’ve just got this feeling.”

His gut feeling was right and Sean donated his stem cells in February 2012 after being found as a match for Johnny Pearson, a dad of two with leukaemia.

Talking about the procedure - which is similar to giving blood - Sean said, “It was painless and that’s coming from someone with a fear of needles! I remember being amazed at how simple it was.”

In 2013, Sean and Johnny ran the London Marathon side-by-side, raising more than £8,000 for the charity. Undeterred by the physical challenge, Sean then ran again for Anthony Nolan the following year.

Since his donation, Sean has tirelessly championed the charity’s work, including organising hugely successful charity galas, giving speeches to young people about the work of Anthony Nolan, and backing the charity’s Destination Cure campaign.

Sean said: “I feel so honoured to be nominated for Donor Champion of the Year among such inspirational supporters of this incredible and lifesaving charity. The work of Anthony Nolan is very close to my heart so it means a great deal.”

Henny Braund, chief executive at Anthony Nolan, says, “Sean is an incredible supporter of the charity and we’re delighted that he has been shortlisted for this award. Thousands of people support Anthony Nolan and enable us to carry out our lifesaving work. Sean really has gone above and beyond in his commitment to the charity and we’re so grateful for everything that he does.”

The awards ceremony takes place on November 17 in the House of Commons.