Kenneth Gibson MSP attended an event at Holyrood to celebrate the number of potential stem cell donors on the Anthony Nolan register.
Anthony Nolan’s Communities v Blood Cancer campaign shines a spotlight on the vital work being done to ensure every patient in need of a stem cell transplant can find a lifesaving donor.
In Cunninghame North, 822 potential stem cell donors are registered with Anthony Nolan. Of these, only 34% are male and the average age is 36.
Across Scotland, 77,000 people are on the Anthony Nolan register, any of whom could be a match for someone with blood cancer and asked to donate their stem cells to give a patient a second chance of life.
Kenneth is encouraging more constituents, particularly men aged 16-30 to register as stem cell donors and ensure a match is available for everyone in need of a transplant. While anyone on the register could be a match for someone with blood cancer, men aged 16-30 are most likely to be asked to donate. They provide more than 50% of donations yet make up just 16% of the register.
Kenneth said:
“I am very proud that, locally, we have 822 registered donors - 36 more than last year - who have selflessly volunteered to give someone a second chance at life. Donating stem cells is straightforward and could make an enormous difference to someone with no other chance of a cure.
“I hope that more people will be inspired to sign up and show that together, we can provide a cure for blood cancer.”
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan, added:
“Blood cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK and the third biggest killer. It accounts for 9% of all new cancers diagnosed.
“Since 1974 thousands of caring, selfless people have joined the Anthony Nolan register and thousands of lives have been saved as a result. It’s wonderful to have the support of so many people in achieving our goal of saving and improving the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.”
For more information about the Community v Blood Cancer campaign visit:
Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential stem cell donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a stem cell transplant. It also carries out vital research to make stem cell transplants more successful, and supports patients through their transplant journeys. Every day Anthony Nolan gives three people a second chance at life. Find out how to join the register at:
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