Steve McCabe MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak has joined campaigners from cancer charity Anthony Nolan who are searching for more local lifesavers in Selly Oak to join their stem cell donor register and help in the fight against blood cancer.
Through his work with Anthony Nolan, Steve has learnt that in his constituency there are now more than 1200 selfless people willing to donate their stem cells, or bone marrow, to save the life of a stranger. These local people are part of more than half a million across the country who are currently on the register.
Campaigners are encouraging more 16 to 30-year-olds to sign up. It is particularly important that young men and people from ethnic minorities join the register as they are currently under-represented. The Anthony Nolan charity created the world’s first stem cell donor register, and has been saving lives for over four decades by matching remarkable people willing to donate their bone marrow or stem cells to patients in desperate need of a transplant. It also carries out pioneering research to increase stem cell transplant success, and supports patients through their transplant journeys.
Two thirds of UK patients will not find a matching donor from within their families and will instead need to turn to an unrelated donor, which is why Anthony Nolan wants to give people the very best chance of life by finding the best possible match for them.
Steve McCabe MP, said:
“I am delighted that over 1200 people in Selly Oak are now registered on the Anthony Nolan stem cell register. It is fantastic to see that there are so many heroic and selfless people in my constituency. 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.”
To join the Anthony Nolan register you must be 16-30 and in good health. It involves filling out a simple online form and spitting into a tube. About 90% of people who are asked to donate will do so through a process similar to giving blood.
The charity needs supporters of all ages to champion the register at a local level and help us spread the word – from schools, communities and workplaces to your own friends and family. To find out how you can help, go to www.anthonynolan.org/communitiesvscancer
Published by