About The Aplastic Anaemia Trust

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust raises money for people who suffer from the bone marrow disease aplastic anaemia, a disease as common as leukaemia and just as serious.

As it is neither a leukaemia nor a cancer, it does not attract support from major charities. The AAT is the only charity devoted and committed to raising money for the treatment and research of this disease, in which the bone marrow shuts down with life threatening consequences to the victims. Tragically the most severe cases are in the youngest age groups.

Treatment of aplastic anaemia sufferers includes bone marrow transplantation - for the minority of patients who have a suitable donor - and prolonged, difficult care for the majority. Although great progress has been made, many patients still die from aplastic anaemia and its allied disorders, so much work is needed to improve their outlook.

The AAT was set up by friends and relatives of victims of aplastic anaemia and its allied disorders. With their help a specialised unit was established at St. George's Hospital in Tooting, London.

This has become the national centre of excellence for the treatment and study of the disease. The charity has also set up a Support Group to inform and help patients and their families who often feel very isolated living with this rare disease.

Our history

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust (formerly the Marrow Environment Fund) was set up in 1985 by relatives and friends of victims of aplastic anaemia and its allied disorders.

Since the charity was established, funds raised by the charity have been used to purchase vital equipment and finance essential research into the disease. The research team's outstanding results have made it one of the most widely respected in the world and takes us even nearer to finally understanding and beating aplastic anaemia.

The dreadful statistic of 30 years ago, when just one in 10 patients survived for only a year, has now been replaced by an expectancy that seven out of 10 will be restored to a good quality of life.