Anthony Nolan is a pioneering charity that saves the lives of people with blood cancer who need a lifesaving blood stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant. Greg Hands MP attended the event on Tuesday, where Anthony Nolan recruited over 40 Westminster staff to its donor register.
Greg said, “Despite having over 400,000 people on its donor register, Anthony Nolan can find matches for just half of the people that need them. A transplant could be a person’s last chance of survival. Sadly I’m not eligible to join the register myself but I know how vital this work is and I’m delighted to help Anthony Nolan raise awareness. I’d urge anyone eligible to join their register. The charity particularly needs young men, as they’re more likely to be chosen as donors, so could help the charity save many more lives.”
Henny Braund, chief executive of Anthony Nolan, added, “There are so many myths surrounding stem cell donation. If you do come up as a match for a patient, the donation process is not as bad as many people think and most people donate through a process similar to giving blood. I’m delighted Greg has shown his support.”
To join the register, you must be aged between 18 and 40, weigh over 8 stone and be in general good health. To find out more, or to register as a potential donor, log on to www.anthonynolan.org or call 0303 303 0303.