A remarkable teenager, whose compassionate acts of kindness have transformed his personal grief into a powerful force for good, is looking forward to university after achieving top A Level grades.
Oliver T, 18, achieved As across the board in Maths, Economics, Physics and Computer Science, at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) and will go on to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Manchester University.
During his A-Level years, Oliver demonstrated a commitment to making a meaningful difference. Last year, he became a lifesaving stem cell donor through charity Anthony Nolan. His uncle, Jonathan Tuggey, who tragically passed away from leukaemia at the age of 13 was present in his mind throughout the process.
Moreover, the sporty teen, who played First XV rugby at BGS, is just weeks away from running the Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon, alongside five of his school friends. They will raise crucial funds for Sue Ryder, a charity that supported his mother, Amanda before her untimely death from cancer when Oliver was only two years old.
Oliver joined the stem cell register with a DNA saliva swab in November 2022, following an Anthony Nolan presentation at BGS about the charity’s life-saving work connecting donors with patients in need.
The following year, he was identified as a match and underwent a successful stem cell donation shortly before Christmas 2023, which required a series of medical procedures and injections to prepare his stem cells for extraction.
Oliver said: “It wasn’t until I spoke with the follow-up team after the donation that the reality of what I had done truly sank in. Realising that my actions could save someone’s life was an indescribable feeling.”
Anthony Nolan’s most recent presentation at BGS in March led to the recruitment of 32 new donors to the stem cell register. Jemma Hay Bryant, Youth Engagement Coordinator at Anthony Nolan, described Oliver as ‘inspirational’. She said: “It’s incredible that he became a lifesaving stem cell donor while completing his A-Levels.
“For 50 years, Anthony Nolan has been uniting people and science to match stem cell donors to those in need of lifesaving transplants and treatments. But it’s only thanks to donors like Oliver that we can give patients with blood cancers or blood disorders a second chance at life, and work towards a future where everyone who needs us can survive and thrive.”
Oliver is now turning his attention to the Great North Run, which he will run next month with friends. They hope to raise £2,000 for Sue Ryder. Oliver said: “The Great North Run is my way of honouring my mum’s memory and giving back to a charity that supported her. Everything I do is driven by the desire to make both my parents proud.”
Looking to the future, Oliver aspires to work in public service or in law, motivated by a desire to contribute positively to society.
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster at Bradford Grammar School, said: “Oliver’s achievements are a profound testament to his character and dedication. His academic success is remarkable, but it’s his extraordinary commitment to helping others that truly sets him apart.
“Through his selfless stem cell donation and his efforts to support Sue Ryder, Oliver embodies the values we strive to instil in our students. We are incredibly proud of him and confident that he will continue to make a significant impact in the future.”
“Everything I do is driven by the desire to make both my parents proud.”
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