A Year 14 student at Strabane Academy in County Tyrone donated stem cells to a patient weeks after registering with DKMS through the charity's schools programme in December.

Jamie McGuigan, who turned 18 shortly before the donation, became the first donor in the UK from the Generation Lifesaver initiative. He travelled to Sheffield with his mother for the procedure, which involved drawing blood over five hours.

The student described initial nerves but prioritised the chance to assist another person. He expressed surprise at the quick match after such a brief time on the register.

DKMS UK spokesperson Bronagh Hughes stated that the teenager achieved something notable at his age and provided a patient with renewed prospects. She noted the need for more young registrants, as they improve transplant results.

Strabane Academy hosted one of the programme's initial events, where 47 people provided mouth swabs to join the register.

McGuigan plans to pursue marine biology studies and encouraged others to register. He indicated readiness to donate again.

Stem cells treat blood cancers, immune deficiencies and genetic disorders, per NHS information. Matches occur for about one in 800 registrants.