Marrow is the student arm of the stem cell transplant charity, Anthony Nolan. The charity facilitates around 1,500 stem cell transplants from an unrelated donor every year for patients in the UK. If a patient has a condition that affects their bone marrow or blood, then a stem cell transplant may be their best chance of survival.
Anthony Nolan has been saving lives through stem cells since its inception as the world’s first stem cell register in 1974. The charity was set up by Shirley Nolan to find a match for her son, Anthony, who had a rare blood disorder. Sadly, a match was not found for Anthony.
Since then, Anthony Nolan has facilitated more than 26,500 transplants for people around the world, and continues to undertake pioneering research whilst offering support to patients and families throughout the stem cell transplant process.
Manchester Marrow was established in 2000 and has recruited over 6600 people since, who will help approximately 66 patients receive lifesaving transplants, giving them a second chance at life. Dedicated students of Manchester Marrow have been encouraging young people across campus to join the stem cell register by organising donor recruitment events and raising vital funds. The work done by Marrow’s passionate student volunteers to reach young people is particularly crucial as Anthony Nolan’s world-leading Research Institute has shown that younger donors offer better survival rates for patients.
Henny Braund MBE, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan, added: “It’s incredible that 6600 young people have joined the Anthony Nolan register inspired by the tireless work of our dedicated Marrowers. Each and every one of these young people represents a real glimmer of hope. There are thousands of patients around the world with blood cancer and blood disorders in need of a match to give them a second chance at life. Thanks to all our Marrow volunteers and those signing up to the register, we can continue to save lives through stem cells.”
Throughout the rest of November, Manchester Marrow volunteers will be running stalls across campus to raise awareness of stem cell donation and sign up as many potential lifesavers as possible to the stem cell register. Even giving a few minutes of your time could be the start of saving someone’s life.
Stem cells hold enormous potential and have the power to help people with blood cancers and blood disorders. This potential inspires everything Anthony Nolan does.
For more information, head to: anthonynolan.org/manchestermarrow
