Sheffield University recruits 1,900 stem cell donors

Marrow now aim to recruit a further 100,000 donors in the next five years


Over the past two years, Sheffield University has recruited nearly 2,000 stem cell donors according to statistics from the Anthony Nolan foundation.

The news comes just one year since 21-year-old law third year Sammy Edris saved a cancer patient’s life through a bone marrow donation. 

Around 2,000 people in the UK need a bone marrow transplant each year, and a transplant could save their life. The Anthony Nolan register is used to match stem cell donors to blood cancer patients. Having provided a sample of spit, it is then analysed and tested to see if a stem cell donation is viable.

Young people are vital when finding stem cell donors as they are less likely to have health problems which may prevent donation. However, there is currently a need for men aged between 16-30 to sign up as well as people from an ethnic minority background due to them being significantly underrepresented on the register.

Last year, Sheffield MedSoc created a nude calendar in aid of raising money for “Sheffield Marrow” who have recruited just under 70,000 potential donors onto the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register.

Nationwide, stem cell donors from universities have saved around 27% of lives affected by blood disorders and cancer.

To join the register you must be aged 16-30, weigh over 7st 12lbs, and be in good health. You can sign up here.