If your recipient lives in a country that allows direct contact, it might be possible to exchange contact details with them, or even meet one day. However, there are some important things to be aware of: 

• Not all countries allow direct contact, and policies can change at any time.  
• The initial request for direct contact can only be made by your recipient (or their family if they are under 18), and this can only happen at least 2 years after the last transplant and provided they are in good health. 
• Direct contacts are a rare occurrence, with only a very small number of completed direct contact exchanges each year.
  • You may have seen stories on our social media pages, or on the news about heart-warming donor-patient meetings which may make it seem as though this is a common occurrence, but in reality, it is actually quite rare. These stories are a fantastic way to share the positive outcomes that can happen thanks to the generosity of donors like you, and the amazing work of transplant teams and coordinators.
  • Even if you never hear from or meet your recipient, you have done an incredible thing by donating your stem cells or bone marrow and giving someone a second chance of life.

If we do receive a request for direct contact from your recipient, we’ll be in touch with you to help you decide what you’d like to do and explain the next steps.   

If you would like any more information, please contact the Donor Follow Up team on 020 7424 6568 or at donor@anthonynolan.org