The University of Leicester has teamed up with The Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign to find the unsung heroes across the region to receive a Leicester Hero Award and be treated to a VIP lunch.
They are also striving to recruit hundreds of new potential donors to the Anthony Nolan stem cell donor register at the Leicester Heroes festival-style event from 10-4pm on Tuesday 25 October on the University’s main campus.
A ‘Leicester Hero’ is someone who has enriched the lives of others, has shown dedication and selflessness, has made a special and significant impact on an individual, families, or the community at large and has gone 'above and beyond' to serve and inspire others.
The 15 Heroes will be presented with their awards on the day and will also be treated to a three-course lunch alongside special VIPs.
Alongside the registration marquee, the event on campus will also feature live music and market stalls selling local produce.
Leicester's lifesaving heroes
Blood cancers affect 38,000 people every year in the UK, from children to the elderly, and common treatments are chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, in some cases, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
Professor Paul Boyle, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: 'Following the success of Rik’s Pass it On campaign last year in which the University was involved, we are delighted to be working with him again for this great event that not only seeks to uncover Leicester’s unsung heroes but to also to recruit more young, committed stem cell donors to the Anthony Nolan Register.
'Leicester is a city of heroes and you only have to look at recent sporting accolades to witness the spirit, determination and drive in the community.
'I’d also like to thank the local Colleges and Academies who we have teamed up with in order to achieve our target and encourage anyone between 16–30 to sign up to the register as they could one day save someone’s life.'
Rik Basra said: 'I’m really excited by the Leicester Heroes event and registration drive, it's going to be absolutely fantastic and fun for everyone involved. The University of Leicester’s hero theme is ‘spot on’ as certainly the people of Leicester and Leicestershire have stepped up to the mark to help us save lives time and time again. I know there are many unsung heroes out there and we want to know about them. Nominate someone you know, come on down and support the event or better still if you’re between 16–30 take five minutes to register and who knows you could be someone’s hero one day!'
Ann O'Leary, Head of Register Development at Anthony Nolan, said: 'We're so pleased about the lifesaving partnership between the University of Leicester and Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign for Leicester Heroes Day. The event will be a major opportunity to celebrate the great people of Leicester, raise awareness of the need for more stem cell donors on the Anthony Nolan register and to give people the opportunity to sign up there and then.
'Over the past few years, Leicester has shown its commitment to saving the lives of people with blood cancer through campaigns like the Race to 1000 and Pass It On. It's wonderful to see Leicester University and the Rik Basra Leukaemia campaign coming together once again in a fun and inspiring way for this lifesaving cause.'
Donors will also be able to sign up to the Register at the following locations:
· Beauchamp College
· Gateway College
· Robert Smyth Academy
· Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College
Nominations are now being accepted here.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 14 October at 11.59pm. They will then go to a panel of representatives for consideration where 15 winners will be chosen.
For more information about the event and joining the Anthony Nolan register, visit the University of Leicester website.