Stem cell success

More people than ever before are joining our NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry to potentially be a life-saving match for a patient in need.

Stem cell transplants help people with cancer, blood disorders and genetic conditions. For many people a stem cell transplant may be their only hope.

Last year we rebranded the British Bone Marrow Registry to become the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry. As well as a new name, stem cell donation has a new look, increased visibility on our website and new marketing materials in our donor centres and at our community sessions.

In October we also changed our eligibility criteria for registrants to include all women aged 17 to 40 (prior to this only women of Black, Asian or of other ethnic heritages were eligible.)

Since October the figures for the number of donors joining the NHS Stem Cell Registry have risen each month. In January 3,516 people joined – smashing the monthly target of 2,500.

Guy Parkes, head of stem cell donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant said: "It's fantastic to see the number of donors joining the stem cell registry continuing to grow – ultimately saving more lives through stem cell donation.

"What is really important to note is that the growth in registrants has also meant we are moving towards a more diverse registry as we recruit more people of different ethnicities.

"We need 30,000 people to join the stem cell registry each year. Every person who joins could be the unique lifesaving match that a patient needs."

It's really easy to register, just ask to join the NHS Stem Cell Registry at your next blood, plasma or platelet donation appointment.
A blood sample can then be taken which is sent off for typing and you will be entered on to the registry.

If you're ever found to be a match, we will contact you to support you through the donation.

All donors aged between 17 and 40 years old are eligible to join the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry. Find out more at blood.co.uk/stemcells.