Thirteen Anthony Nolan supporters, including a nine-year-old from Chorley, make up 104 stories which form a spectacular installation in London.
Rory was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a rare form of blood cancer, in 2012. Rory’s best chance of a cure was a bone marrow transplant which involved eradicating his diseased cells with chemotherapy and replacing them with cells from a stranger.
Five years later Rory is supporting the #MakeBloodCancerVisible campaign this Blood Cancer Awareness Month (September). The campaign was launched with the unveiling of an installation created by designer Paul Cocksedge. The piece is made up of 104 three-dimensional life-size names in Paternoster Square, London, representing the 104 individuals that are diagnosed with blood cancer every day.
Each sculpture is the real name of someone who has been diagnosed with a blood cancer, and is sized to perfectly match their height. The names are arranged to reflect the patterns that occur when people gather in crowds, and set in a recurring typeface intended to emphasise their shared experiences.
As a UK charity which finds and matches donors, of the correct tissue types, with patients who need stem cell transplants, Anthony Nolan cures blood cancer: giving patients a second chance of life.
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan says: “By making blood cancer visible, this Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we are celebrating transplant patients who are flourishing – and shining the spotlight on the difficulties many face finding support throughout their recovery.
“In sharing inspiring stories of people who have survived blood cancer, we can raise public awareness of their needs and inspire more people to join our stem cell register. This will help Anthony Nolan give a second chance of life to everyone that needs one, and ensure they have the support they need to thrive.”
The installation, sponsored by Janssen, is open to the public until 30 September.