Top for stem cell donors
Stirling is leading the way when it comes to attracting stem cell donors.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford praised the work of blood cancer charity, Anthony Nolan, following a meeting in the Scottish Parliament where it was revealed his constituency is number one in Mid Scotland and Fife and number three in the whole of Scotland for registered stem cell donors.
A total of 1,401 people are registered donors in the Stirling area – with 271 having been added to the list in the past year alone.
The average age of the donors in the area is 30 – with 40 per cent of all donors being male.
Young male donors are much more likely to be selected by transplant centres, and research has shown that the younger the donor, the better the survival chances of the patient.
Anthony Nolan help save lives of people with blood cancer, by conducting stem cell research, providing donors from their register, and supporting patients and their families throughout their transplant journey.
They are particularly calling for more young men (aged 16-30) and more people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds to sign up to their stem cell donor register.
Mr Crawford said:“Of course it is great news that the Stirling area is leading the way. These incredible people give blood cancer patients a second chance in life – helping to tackle this terrible disease.
“However, we very much need more people to sign up. Doing so can save lives.”
More details at www. anthonynolan.org.