News Yearly archive

On 1st October 2012 we took the pioneering decision to change our joining policy to allow 16 year olds to join the register, making us the first bone marrow register in the world to do so. In the first ten weeks of the new policy, we have recorded an incredible 8292 online applications – an increase of 25% on the same period last year. Of those who have applied to join the register, well over 50% (4468) are aged 16-22.

Bengu Shail was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in September 2009. After two years of intensive treatment, she went into remission. Since then, she's spent her time helping other cancer patients at Macmillan Cancer Support in her role as a Case Studies Officer.

However, in October 2012, Bengu received the devastating news that her leukaemia has returned. Now Bengu's only hope for survival is a bone marrow transplant from a stranger willing to donate their bone marrow. 

We’re excited to announce that today we’re officially launching our fifth cord blood collection site. We’re also pleased to announce the news that the site will move to a 24/7 service from January 2013, after the site collected a record-breaking number of samples in its first four months. The extended hours means mothers giving birth at the hospital will have more opportunity to donate their cord blood, whatever time of the day or night their baby arrives.

Manchester lad Martin Solomon, 20, is battling stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma and needs a lifesaving transplant. Despite a worldwide search, no match can be found.

The family of 11-year-old Newton Aycliffe resident Peter Dunnington-Waters are calling on people to sign up as bone marrow donors just days before their sons own lifesaving bone marrow transplant. 

Peter was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia just two months ago, and doctors told his family that he needed a bone marrow transplant to save his life.

At a glitzy awards ceremony last night, organised by sector-magazine Charity Times, Anthony Nolan were awarded Charity of the Year.

The Charity Times Awards are a celebration of best practice in the UK charity and not-for-profit sector. Anthony Nolan was up against seven other leading UK organisations for the prestigious award.

We’re already looking forward to next year, when one of our fundraisers will hold “Food Fight for Cancer” on 4th February. The evening will feature James Martin and Anthony Nolan’s very own trustee Brian Turner, two of the most talented and popular celebrity TV chefs in the country, going head-to-head during a live cooking demonstration at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. BBC Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd will act as compere for the night.

The family of 14-month-old Ronnie Manders are calling on the Isle of Wight community  to join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register as potential lifesavers, when we host a special recruitment event in the area on the 25 October.

Inspirational Alice Pyne is calling on Ulverston teens to sign up as bone marrow donors on Friday 12th October at a special recruitment event at Ulverston Victoria High School. The event follows our recent decision to allow people to sign up to the bone marrow register from the age of 16 – the first register in the world to do so.

Earlier this week, Nottinghamshire teens became some of the youngest bone marrow donors in the world – now it’s London’s turn. On Tuesday 9th October, we’ll be holding a special recruitment event at Upton Park, where London’s 16 and 17-year-olds can make history by signing up to the Anthony Nolan register. We’re hosting the event in conjunction with the Jack Petchey Foundation and West Ham United, so anyone who comes along will get the chance to meet some of the West Ham first team and Jack Petchey himself.