Yes, if you have purchased something within the last three months, you can still apply.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the panel will consider the following on each application:

• The extent to which there is a compelling case about the need for financial support at this time.
• A clear connection between the impact of needing or having a stem cell transplant and the items or services requested.
• Whether the information in the Medical Report supports the items or services requested.
• Whether you have received grants from other charities or organisations, such as Macmillan. Patients who have received other grants may still be eligible for an Anthony Nolan Grant.
• Whether the estimated cost of an item or service is reasonable. If the cost seems higher, an explanation for this would be expected.
• Whether there are statutory resources, or any other alternative forms of support available.
• Whether comfort and quality of life is compromised.

You can ask a member of your healthcare team to complete the grant application form on your behalf.

In order to be successful, your healthcare professional must:

• explain the specific needs you have which are related to your stem cell transplant, and outline how an Anthony Nolan Grant will help to address these needs
• explain how you intend to spend your grant, and be specific about how you have estimated the costs, for example: ‘Petrol for ten trips to the hospital at £5 per visit’
• include other financial support that you are receiving, for example: ‘we have received £30 from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme’.

If you would like to claim the extra £150 towards heating costs, simply ask your healthcare professional to tick the 'Winter Recovery Fund' option on the grant application form.

Apply now

You can apply for a grant if you have had any type of stem cell transplant for a blood cancer or blood disorder, or are due to have one in the next six months.

You must also:

• be a UK resident
• have no more than £6,000 in savings (if a single person) or £8,000 in savings (if a couple or family).

An Anthony Nolan Grant is up to £250. It can help cover any extra costs you may experience as a result of having a stem cell transplant, such as:

• travel to and from your transplant centre
• new clothes following weight loss/gain
• access to the internet during isolation
• washing machines (if you don’t already have one) to help with infection control.

Anthony Nolan Grants can financially support patients before, during, and after a stem cell transplant. We offer small one-off grants to help with any unexpected costs you may have.

For most healthy people, your immune system will control the virus - most people do not realise they have it. People with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant should speak to their doctor if they have flu like symptoms.

You can find out more about CMV on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/cytomegalovirus-cmv/

There are two ways you might be asked to donate: 90% of people donate via their bloodstream and 10% have their stem cells collected via their bone marrow while under general anaesthetic. Watch our donation animation to find out more:

This isn’t a medical test, so we won’t routinely update you on your updated CMV status. This information is for doctors to help choose the best possible match for a patient.

When we receive your completed swabs back in our labs, the swabs are popped into a solution that picks up any CMV indicators off the swab.

These indicators are then loaded into a machine with specific proteins, and a colour change will show the result which is then double checked by a scientist and uploaded onto your record.