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  • Youth board members
  1. Who we are
  2. Our team
  3. The AAT Youth Board

Youth board members

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust Youth Board advises our Trustee Board and CEO on how to best support and champion the interests of young people affected by aplastic anaemia. This includes people who have been diagnosed themselves, or who may be supporting a friend, family member or sibling through diagnosis or treatment.

The Youth Board meets quarterly, ahead of the trustee meeting.

In conversation with our former Chair

Apply to join the Youth Board

Youth Board Members

Adya Gupta

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Hello, I'm Adya and I'm 17 years old. I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia in 2023, and underwent ATG treatment. Since then, my blood counts have improved. 

I hope I can make a positive impact through the Youth Board and help other young people feel less alone when they go through this process, as well as raise more awareness about this condition! 

Published: 23rd January, 2025

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Dan Ord

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I’m Dan from Watford, I was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in 2023 and received a bone marrow transplant earlier this year (2024)!

I am still recovering from this and waiting for my blood counts to go up, but am also going back to study Maths at Durham University this September. 

Published: 5th August, 2024

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Ella Bearpark (Co-Chair)

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Ella was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in June 2017 and had a stem cell transplant in October later that year. She has since recovered and is currently studying anthropology at Durham university.
Being part of the youth board and getting involved with the AAT helps to better the charities available support and create connections with others diagnosed with AAT, which is important to her. 

Published: 13th April, 2022

Updated: 28th February, 2025

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Emma Blakeley

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Published: 11th February, 2026

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Esme De Villiers

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Hi, I’m Esme and I’m 19 years old. I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia when I was 16, receiving a bone marrow transplant a few months later.

I’m currently studying Pharmacology at the University of Bath which I love and am very excited to be an active part of the AAT youth panel and help others who have had similar experiences!

Published: 4th March, 2025

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Millie Hudson

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Published: 20th January, 2026

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Rebecca Shepherd

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I’m Becca and I am 18 years old. I was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in May 2024 and had a stem cell transplant in September of that year. I am now over one year post transplant, meaning that I am now studying A levels at sixth form and preparing to go to university next year to study English.

I am beyond proud and excited to be a part of the AAT youth board as I am a firm believer that it is vital that more information and awareness is spread surrounding aplastic anaemia, especially for people my age

Published: 7th January, 2026

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Sophie Byrom

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I'm Sophie from Warrington and I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2020 and received a bone marrow transplant in 2021! I have been in remission for 18 months and I'm currently studying at the University of Manchester.

Published: 13th April, 2022

Updated: 15th June, 2023

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Sophie Ouzman (Co-Chair)

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Hi, I'm Sophie and I've recently been diagnosed with aplastic anaemia.

I'm looking forward to helping people in a similar position to me.

I've joined the youth board to make something I have been dwelling on into something positive.

My journey with aplastic anaemia is just beginning.

Published: 25th September, 2023

Updated: 28th February, 2025

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