Anyone aged between 16 and 30 can join the Anthony Nolan register, as long as they are in good health. So these are the people we recruit at recruitment events.

They must be 16 or older because you have to give what’s called ‘informed consent’ to be a stem cell donor. As stem cell donation is voluntary and not of direct benefit to the donor, a parent/guardian cannot give consent on behalf of a minor.

The reason they need to be aged under 30 is because young people are most likely to be chosen to donate as they are less likely to have long-term health problems which might delay or prevent donation.

We answer further questions about Anthony Nolan's donor register and lifesaving work in our FAQs.