This is the tear-jerking moment a dad shares a hug with the woman who saved his life.
James O'Donnell, from Burnage, feared the worst after being diagnosed with a blood disorder similar to leukaemia in 2016.
Usual treatments were failing and James was undergoing a blood transfusion every week while battling constant infections, the Liverpool Echo reports.
James was running out of options and despaired at the pain his death could cause his eight-year-old son, Harrison.
But in a stunning stroke of fortune, his saviour was only the other side of the M62 - LiverpoolCouncil admin worker Leah McDougall.
The 29-year-old mum, from Bootle, had taken the time to sign up to the register of potential stem cell donors on her lunch break at a pop-up stall, organised by blood cancer charity DKSM, the previous year.
James, who despite his Manc heritage is an avid Liverpool FC fan, told staff at the charity that he would be up for meeting his donor, who could have been anyone from a number of European countries using the register.
James, along with his wife Andrea and young Harrison, got the chance to meet Leah for the first time at a DKSM charity gala in London on Wednesday last week (November 6).
James, who says he finally feels like himself after a long period of illness, told the ECHO: "I was just getting chest infections and water infections all the time.
"I am quite a healthy person, and I was in good shape and I knew I should not be getting ill all the time."
He said after a few weeks of tests his was invited to take a bone marrow biopsy and was told the devastating news on his 40th birthday.
The disease meant James' bone marrow was not producing enough white blood cells, but doctors told him a treatment called anti-thymocite globulin (ATG) had a "75% chance" of success.
However, when that failed, fear and doubt began to creep in.
He said: "We are always saying I would get through this, we were thinking I would get better. But I started to think it's not happening, it's not going to be for me, this.
"I thought, I have been good in life, I need some luck. We were having a really hard time.
"My son was four or five then, and it was hard for him having a dad going from playing football with him to being in hospital."
Eventually doctors revealed the only option was for James to have a bone marrow transplant.
The O'Donnell's went through further disappointment when tests on his three siblings revealed none were a match, so the waiting game to find a suitable donor began.
But on a March day in 2017, he got a call to say: "We have got a perfect match, a 10 out of 10."
The operation was a success and after four weeks doctors told James the new bone marrow cells were taking effect.
He said: "We were so lucky to find a donor only about 25 miles away. Some people never find one and we had one on our doorstep."
The powerful emotion of meeting Leah last week is summed up by James: "It was the second best moment of my life after my son being born.
"What she has done means that I can see my son growing up and that he has a father."
Leah did not hesitate to agree to help a total stranger when she was asked by DKSM.
Describing the moment she met James and his family, she told the ECHO: "We were both speechless. When I walked on stage we were just hugging each other for ages.
"It is weird, we felt like we had known each other for years, I felt like I had known him my whole life.
"It just takes five minutes out of your time to sign up to the register; that's like going to the kitchen to make a drink.
"You just think about the impact it is going to have on someone, it is saving someone's life. I feel lucky to have been able to give something back."
James says his family and Leah are planning to meet up again, possibly at a Liverpool FC game.
He said: "Without her, I wouldn't have a future."
DKSM has urged anyone aged 17-55, and in general good health, to sign up to the register here.
Dr Manos Niklolousis, Haematologist at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said:"Blood stem cells can be used to treat a wide range of blood cancers and blood disorders and we urgently need more people to come forward as donors.
"Currently, only 2% of the UK population are registered so matching donors with patients isnt easy within a growing multicultural population.
"Many of those in need are unable to find a sibling match and so rely on the generosity of strangers, and a blood stem cell transplant can be some patients only hope of survival.
"As a doctor who treats people with blood cancer or disorders, it is upsetting to know that some patients could have been saved if only more potential donors were registered and available to donate.
"I look forward to the day when there will be a donor for every patient in need."
- Doctors To Use 'Trained' Stem Cells To Heal Heart [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Doctor Shocks Oprah with News of Ethical Stem-Cell Successes [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- 8-18-11 wound care doctor... A day in life stem cell transp [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Doctors Use Stem Cells for First Trachea Transplant [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Doctor discussing fat stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- First American Doctor to talk about results of Stem Cells to treat Autism! [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Doctor Robert Trossel [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Doctors recommend StemSave for banking stem cells from teeth for those parents who missed the opportunity to save their childrens cord blood [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- American certified doctor discussing stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Doctors defend stem cell research [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- New Stem Cell Breakthrough [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- Stem cells used in organ surgery - 20 November 2008 [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Brilliant Minds - Stem Cell Research | Tomorrow Today [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Houston doctors use stem cells in new way.flv [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Discovering Religion: Ep 16 - Embryonic Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Event [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Transplant and Stem Cell Transplant Treatment in India for International patients [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2011]
- Dr. Thomas Barnes' Stem Cell FaceLifts and cell therapies with the CHA Station [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Worlds First Synthetic Organ Transplant: Swedish doctors sets world record [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Breakthrough Windpipe Transplant Uses Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy- Interview with Indian Surgeon [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Stem Cells, Sight For The Blind [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- "5000 More" Music Video [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- French Doctors Using Red Blood Cells Created From Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Transplant Program [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Prof Ian MacKenzie on cancer stem cells part 3 of 3.avi [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment in New Jersey- Colon's story (Dr Damon Noto) [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Prof Ian MacKenzie on cancer stem cells part 1 of 3.avi [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Stem cell treatments and rejection reactions [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Stem cell therapy helps dog walk [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- SCA stem cell treatment evaluation in China for Jeff Crowe [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Stem Cells: Seeds of Hope? [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- American Stem Cell And Anti Aging Center [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Implications for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Preview: Stem Cells, New Treatments [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Life-saving research in to stem cells - Horizon - BBC [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Explore Health Don Margolis Stem Cells 101 #9 [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Dr. Steenblock and Stem Cell Therapies - Testimonial from Dr. Meyers [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Are doctors receptive to stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Stem Enhance - Support The Natural Release Of Adult Stem Cells (part 4).flv [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Welcome to StemCellTV [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Doctors and Nurses speak out about Zoe's Bone Marrow Buddies [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Diabetes Type 1 Cure [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Manning, Owens Try Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Sickle Cell Transplant Program [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Prof Ian MacKenzie on cancer stem cells part 2 of 3 [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Woman gets a new body part made from her own stem cells [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Sabrina Cohen "CELLebrity Doctors Calendar Kickoff.mov [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Eyes repaired with Stem Cells [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Interview w/ Dr. Lawrence Goldstein, stem cell research expert and advocate [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- British boy receives pioneering stem cell surgery WOW - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Complications of Diabetes Mellitus Cured by Stem Cell Treatments - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Science Daily: New Discovery May Eliminate Potentially Lethal Side Effect of Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Till and McCulloch, fathers of the field of stem cell science : Legacy - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- PRP on the Doctors show - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- UF scientists devise way to sort brain cells for potential transplants - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Adivive (Lipokit) Autologous Fat Transfer with Adult Stem Cells - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Injecting Patients With Own Stem Cells to Save Legs - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment - the worst case scenario - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Stem Cells/Burn Recovery - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Kevin's 2 Heart Transplants and Stem Cell Transplant - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Breast Augmentation | Laser Liposuction - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Ciska - Glaucoma Stem Cell Patient - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell treatments center - American Stem Cell [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2011]
- Toonari Post Health News: Europe's first clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Till and McCulloch, fathers of stem cell science : Mentors - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Transplant Situation - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Stem Cell/Natural Cosmetic - San Diego KUSI-TV Dr. Maurice Sherman - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Vampire FaceLift Procedure Discussed on The Doctors.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Tandem stem-cell transplants for myeloma improve survival - Video [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2011]
- Doctor's speaks on Cryobanks India - 1 - Video [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2011]
- Doctors recommend StemSave for banking stem cells from teeth for those parents who missed the opportunity to save their childrens cord blood - Video [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2011]
- Science BREAKTHROUGH | Fountain of Youth | Forever Young Pill - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- 11-09-04 GH - Sam McCall [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- Ask the Doctors - Dental Stem Cell Banking - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- SECRETS TO PERFECT SKIN for Valentine's Day I Naturesknockout - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- BioLife Cell Bank - Overview of Provider/Doctor Application - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- Stem Cell Implications for ALS - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- Stem Cells May Repair Broken Hearts - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- Adult Stem Cells Use Special Pathways To Repair Damaged Muscle - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]