A 21-year-old bone marrow donor from Ferwig who saved the life of an Australian mum has been honoured at a ceremony organised by the Welsh Blood Service in Lampeter.

Awen Davies, who provided a match for the 37-year-old mother of two, subsequently received an emotional letter from the woman thanking her for giving her the chance to see her children grow up.

“I can’t tell you what an amazing feeling it is to know you have given someone a chance to spend more time with their children,” said the young agricultural college student.

Awen’s bone marrow donation was selected as the best match for the patient in need of a transplant from a database of over 35 million donors from across the globe.

On receiving her award Awen said: “My family have always donated blood so I was quick to follow in their footsteps as soon as I was able to, so just after my 17th birthday.

“After becoming a donor, my cousin was also diagnosed with a brain tumour and this made me even more determined to do something to help people in need.

“Blood donations are not only used in emergencies, they are also used in cancer treatment and surgeries.

“I joined the bone marrow register when I went to give blood. The donation was easier than I thought, there was no pain or discomfort and it was incredible to think I was really helping someone."

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now