Thanks for visiting my page. Here's some information on why I am raising money for Anthony Nolan. 

Whilst studying at university, my wonderful friend Josie was diagnosed with Leukaemia and her life was changed for ever. Thankfully, after other options were exhausted, Anthony Nolan were able to find Josie a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor living in Germany which saved her life. 

Like many of our friends, I joined the Anthony Nolan register and signed up to be a stem cell donor thinking that one day I could be a match for someone in the same position that Josie was. 

There is approximately a 1 in 800 chance of being a match with someone you are not related to, so I was not expecting to be called upon, however earlier this year I received the call to say I was a potential match for a patient with blood cancer in need of a donation. 

Following some blood tests I was confirmed as a match for this patient and since then I have been preparing for my donation which will take place in London on 30th July. 

These days, nearly 90% of people donate their stem cells in a process called peripheral blood stem cell collection. So I have been having a course of injections prior to my trip to hospital to stimulate the bone marrow and increase the number of stem cells and white blood cells in my blood. When I go into hospital, the stem cells will be taken from my blood. 

Signing up to the Anthony Nolan register was one of the simplest things I have ever done, and it really could save someone's life. 

In the UK, just 2% of the population are registered as stem cell donors and every 14 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer; 75% of these people will not find a match within their family, which is why the Anthony Nolan register is so important. So I would urge anyone who can to sign up to the register. 

Even if you can't sign up there are other ways you can support the charity and the remarkable work they do. 

By creating this page I'm hoping that you (my wonderful friends and family) will be able to spare a few pounds to help further the charity's research into blood cancers, raise awareness and sign people up to the register. I know the money will be going to an incredible cause. 

Here's some information about the charity and some links if you would like to know more...

Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. We do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. We also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. We won’t stop until we save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings us closer to that day.

If you would like some more information about Anthony Nolan, you can find some here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/facts-and-stats 

And if you'd like to join the register, you can do so here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/8-ways-you-could-save-life/donate-your-stem-cells

Thanks so much for reading! xxx