Local heroes
MSP praises 780 on bone marrow list
James Kelly MSP has thrown his support behind a blood cancer charity.
Mr Kelly has urged locals throughout Rutherglen and Cambuslang to get involved with the Anthony Nolan Trust by joining its bone marrow donor register and helping in the fight against blood cancer.
Figures released last week show there are currently more than 780 selfless people willing to donate their stem cells, or bone marrow, to help a stranger.
And the charity are hoping others will join up.
Mr Kelly said: “There are 780 heroes on the register here in Rutherglen and Cambuslang but the challenge continues.
“I’m hunting for more crusaders to sign up today, so we can fight blood cancer together.
“It is something truly heroic to give a stranger a second chance at life. This is why I’m proud to champion this cause to my constituents.”
Rutherglen resident Charles Coyle convinced Mr Kelly to back the cause.
Charles had signed up to be a donor years ago.
He added: “I was inspired to join the list of bone marrow donors when a young man in Rutherglen died a few years ago, and the Anthony Nolan Trust seemed to be a good way of trying to help in the future.”
Currently a perfect match can only be found for 60 per cent of transplant patients. To join the Anthony Nolan register you must be 16-30 and in good health. It involves filling out a simple online form and spitting into a tube.
Ann O’Leary, head of register development at Anthony Nolan, added: “We are delighted that Rutherglen MSP James Kelly has been inspired to encourage others to sign up as donors.
“Donating is an incredibly selfless thing to do and will give someone with blood cancer their best chance at survival.”
The trust match incredible individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people who desperately need lifesaving transplants.
It also educates young people about the lifesaving difference they can make by joining the register.
They also conduct groundbreaking research to improve the success rates of transplants and improve the lives of all people with blood cancer.
And the trust are there with support, advice and information for people with blood cancer and their families.
More information can be found at www. anthonynolan.org/capes.