Aberdeen second highest in Scotland for stem cell registrations

Aberdeen residents have been praised after it emerged the city has the second highest number of willing stem cell donors in Scotland.

Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, was awarded a certificate of congratulations from the Anthony Nolan Trust in response to its newly released figures.

The charity matches potential stem cell donors to blood cancer and blood disorder patients in need of stem cell transplants, and carries out pioneering research in the field.

There are 2,309 people in Aberdeen on the Anthony Nolan Trust’s register.

Mr Stewart is now encouraging even more local people to sign up with the charity and make a difference.

He said: “This is great news for the city and Anthony Nolan Trust as it shows the hard work they are doing to raise awareness is working, and more folk in Aberdeen are registering to be potential life savers.

“We can’t be complacent about this though, and it’s important that young people spread the word among each other to sign up to the stem cell donor register.

“I want to urge all 16 to 30-year-olds in Aberdeen to seriously consider registering with Anthony Nolan, because they could be the key to ensuring someone gets a second chance at life.

“It is so easy to get on the list as it just involves filling out a form and sending a saliva sample in a free kit from the charity.

“Beating potentially lifethreatening illnesses like cancer takes dedication, and we can all do our bit to make sure more people are aware of how they can help save a life.”

To find out more about stem cell donations go to www.anthonynolan.org

“This is great news for the city and Anthony Nolan Trust”