An 18-year-old student at Strabane Academy in Tyrone became the first pupil in a UK schools programme to donate stem cells to a patient.

Jamie McGuigan joined the DKMS donor register after a school presentation by the blood cancer charity in November. Two months later, following his 18th birthday, he learned he matched a patient requiring urgent treatment.

A nurse conducted blood tests at his home. He then travelled to Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed his suitability.

He received injections over four days to increase his stem cell production. The donation procedure occurred over two days, using equipment to collect the cells.

McGuigan informed his family and teacher Mrs Sayers of the match. Mrs Sayers had arranged the initial DKMS visit to the school.

He encourages others to register as donors. Stem cell matches can be hard to find, he noted, and the process offers a chance to help patients.