Need to talk?
Call: 0303 303 0303
Email: patientinfo@anthonynolan.org
Who can use the Helpline?
The Helpline is for anyone affected by stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy — before, during, or after treatment. You could be a patient, family member, or friend.
You can ask questions, share any worries, or simply lean on us for a chat.
I spoke to Rachel [our Lead Nurse] and she was such a support.
Helpline user
How we can support you
You’ll speak to a trained staff member in the Patient Services team. You can meet the team below.
The Helpline is:
- free to use
- a confidential space
- led by expert information and advice
- able to offer emotional support and signposting.
The Helpline is not:
- able to influence individual treatment or care
- able to offer crisis support
- open 24/7 — see our opening hours below.
Whatever you need and however you’re feeling, we’re here for you. If we can’t answer your questions, we’ll do our best to find someone who can.
What to do in an emergency
If you need urgent medical help, call 999, call your medical team, or go to your nearest A&E.
You can also call the Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123.
How to access the Helpline
You can use the Helpline by phone or email.
Call: 0303 303 0303, and choose option 3.
Email: patientinfo@anthonynolan.org
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (excluding bank holidays).
English isn't my first language
We provide support on our Helpline in English, but we also offer the translation service LanguageLine. This lets you speak to us in the language of your choice, and to hear our replies in that language.
If you or a member of your family would like to use our Helpline in a language other than English, please let us know. We will then arrange for a LanguageLine interpreter to join the call.
Meet the Helpline team
Emily
Emily is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in CAR T-cell therapy. She joined Anthony Nolan in 2023 and also works part-time in an NHS hospital. Emily has a nursing background in haematology, stem cell transplant and CAR-T therapy.
Karen D
Karen joined the Patient Services team in 2021 as Clinical Support Officer. She has a nursing background, working in an A&E department for 4 years.
Karen N
Karen is our Children and Young People Clinical Nurse Specialist and has worked for Anthony Nolan since 2025. Karen also works part time in the NHS and has a background in both malignant and non-malignant stem cell transplant for children and young people.
Liam
Liam is our Patient Involvement Manager, making sure our patients' voices are heard throughout Anthony Nolan. He's been at Anthony Nolan for over 10 years, supporting both donors and patients. Liam also helps to provide our Patient Grants.
Maddy
Maddy has been in the Patient Services team for over 10 years. She's the team’s encyclopaedia! Maddy answers enquiries that are sent in by email.
Rachel
Rachel is our Lead Nurse and has more than 20 years of experience in haematology and stem cell transplant. If you have questions about the clinical aspects of treatment, Rachel or one of our other nurses will aim to help you.
Sarah
Sarah is our Head of Patient Involvement, overseeing our Patient Grants and Telephone Emotional Support Service (TESS). She joined Anthony Nolan in 2013, and has previously worked in a variety of roles in our Donor Transplantation Services and Register Development teams.
Tom
Tom is our Head of Patient Information and he’s been a member of the Patient Services team since 2017. He works with patients, families and healthcare professionals to ensure our health information is clear, accurate and accessible.
The helpline was like someone walking beside you and holding your hand.
Helpline user
Helpline FAQ
Is the Helpline free to call?
Yes, it won’t cost you to call the Helpline from a landline or mobile.
Can you give me medical information?
We can give you general information about stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy, to help clarify the treatment process and recovery. We can also suggest areas you may want to discuss further with your own healthcare team.
However, we cannot give you any recommendations about your own specific medical treatment. Your healthcare team is best placed to discuss this, as they will have a full understanding of your medical history.
Can you help me find a donor?
Our Helpline team can’t help you find a stem cell donor for you or your loved one. However, we can help to answer any general questions you may have about the donor search process.
You might also find our information and support on Patient Appeals helpful.
Is this a counselling service?
The Helpline offers emotional support, information and signposting, but it is not a counselling service. However, we can refer you to our Telephone Emotional Support Service (TESS), run by qualified wellbeing specialists.
Can I speak to a specific person?
Your call or email may be answered by anyone in the team. If you'd prefer to speak to one of the healthcare professionals in our helpline team, please let us know. We'll do our best to arrange that, depending on their availability.