The Anthony Nolan Trust provides lifesaving donors for patients in need of a bone marrow transplant, including those suffering from leukemia. Founded by Shirley Nolan in 1974 following the diagnosis of her son, Anthony, with a rare condition that could only be treated by a bone marrow transplant. She created the world’s first bone marrow register which has since provided matches and transplants for over 5,800 children and adults.

Transplanting healthy bone marrow provides the patient’s body with healthy cells capable of regenerating the immune system. A critical factor in the success of a transplant is the accuracy of the match between the patient’s cell tissue and the donor’s. Timing is also critical: once a patient has chosen to proceed with a transplant, the donor’s tissue – in the form of bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells – must be available as soon as the previous phase of treatment has finished.

The Anthony Nolan Trust saves lives by managing and recruiting new donors to the UK’s most successful bone marrow register as well as undertaking vital research leading to improvements in the effectiveness and safety of bone marrow transplants. The Anthony Nolan Trust is responsible for finding suitable unrelated donors for patients who require bone marrow transplants. Fewer than thirty per cent of patients who need bone marrow transplants are able to find a compatible donor within their own families. The rest rely on the generosity of strangers who have volunteered to donate bone marrow to anyone in need.

The Trust is always looking for new volunteers to donate bone marrow. There are some criteria that must be fulfilled but the majority of people are suitable donors. For more information on how to donate bone marrow or simply take part in fundraising, visit the website at http://www.anthonynolan.org.uk/.