A LIFESAVING stem cell donor has been honoured at a national awards ceremony.

Sean Hagan, of Askam, was a finalist in the Good Morning Britain Health Star Awards in London this week.

The 26-year-old saved the life of Johnny Pearson in February 2012, a complete stranger who had been battling acute myeloid leukaemia.

Mr Hagan had joined the Anthony Nolan Register at 21 and was found to be a match for the dad-of-two.

The two are now great friends. Mr Pearson nominated his lifesaver for the award and they both attended the ceremony.

Although Mr Hagan did not win the Lifesaver Health Star Award, he was congratulated for his selfless actions at the event, including being acknowledged by Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway and actor Larry Lamb.

Mr Hagan tweeted about the event: "Awesome day at the @GMB health star awards. Thank you @susannareid100 @kategarraway @larrylamb47 #gmbhealthstar."

Mr Hagan joined the register because of the inspirational late Ulverston campaigner and fundraiser, Alice Pyne. Alice, who died aged 17 in 2013 after fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma, had campaigned to get everyone eligible to join the register.

When Mr Pearson recovered from the operation, he wrote to Mr Hagan anonymously through the Anthony Nolan charity to thank him. He explained that he would be running the London Marathon and invited his hero to join him in the 2014 event. They were the first ever donor and recipient to run a marathon together.

Mr Hagan and his family have gone on to raise £22,000 for the Anthony Nolan charity.

This summer Mr Hagan is taking on a coast to coast charity bike ride.