Step up and save a life
In 2012, a young probationary Police Officer, Frazer McFadyen, was called upon to donate his stem cells. Frazer found donating a incredibly positive, life-affirming experience and identified the opportunity for Police Scotland and Anthony Nolan to join forces and save lives. The partnership was launched in 2015 and we haven’t looked back since.
For someone with blood cancer, an amazing stranger donating their stem cells could be their only chance of survival. To date, over 900 potential donors from Police Scotland have stepped up in the hope of being that amazing stranger, by joining the stem cell register.
Without the important work of organisations like Police Scotland helping to spread the word about stem cell donation we may never have found a match for Ava. This partnership is giving hope to families like ours every day'.
Marie, mum to Ava, who had a lifesaving stem cell transplant in 2016
Who can join the register?
Only people aged 16-30 are able to join Anthony Nolan’s register. This is because our research shows us that younger donors provide the best long term survival outcomes for patients. We also particularly need more donors from minority ethnic backgrounds to make sure everyone has the best chance of surviving blood cancer, whatever their ethnicity.
Here are the facts
1. You can join online!
You’ll get a pack in the post for you to do a cheek swab and send back. We’ll test your sample and add your information to the stem cell register.
2. You’ll stay on the register until you’re the grand age of 61
If you ever come up as a match for someone with blood cancer, we’ll be in touch.
3. We’ll organise the whole thing
We support you at every stage of your donation and arrange everything, from travel to accommodation. We've got it all covered.
4. There are two ways you might be asked to donate
90% of people donate via their bloodstream in a straightforward process called peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection.
"When you’re actually on the bed donating, it doesn’t feel awkward or painful. It was quite relaxing to be honest, just sitting in the bed. The only thing is, you’re there for four hours – but four hours out of your life, to give someone the chance of life? It’s nothing. It’s more than worth it."
Aaron, who donated via PSBC
10% have their stem cells collected via their bone marrow. The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic.
"Bone marrow donating done! I can honestly say it has been an amazing and surprisingly pain-free experience (I am a wimp!). Knowing I’ve given someone a second chance at life is such a fantastic feeling"
Donna, who donated via bone marrow
It's hard to describe how it felt to be contacted and told that I was a potential match. I successfully donated my stem cells in February 2021. It's amazing to think of the potential impact my donation has had on someone's life.
David, Sgt with Police Scotland who donated his stem cells in 2021
Aged 31+ or want to support in other ways?
If you’ve already signed up to the stem cell register and want to support Anthony Nolan further, there are lots of ways you can get involved with our lifesaving work.
Could you fund a lifesaver?