You have the potential and power to save someone’s life. We want to make 16-18 year olds aware that they can do something incredible . . . not to pressure; not to persuade.  You can make a huge difference to another person.

This was the message delivered by the blood cancer charity, Anthony Nolan, at todays’ Sixth Form Assembly.  Head Girl, Phoebe Russell, organised and led the session which served as the launch of further activities designed to raise awareness and much needed funds. Katie who leads the charity’s education programme, the Hero Project, joined via a pre recorded message.

Anthony Nolan, the world’s first stem cell donor register

Anthony Nolan is the charity that makes lifesaving connections between people with blood cancer and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells.  It was the world’s first stem cell donor register – set up in 1974 by Shirley Nolan, whose young son Anthony needed a stem cell transplant to save his life. In those days, there was no register of donors, making it almost impossible for patients like Anthony to find their matching donor. Anthony died in 1979, before a match was found. But his legacy is that there are 750,000 donors on the register in the UK – and more around the world.  They’re saving lives right now. Three lives a day, in fact. But they can’t do it without you.  That’s why they run The Hero Project – to inspire 16-18 year olds about the difference they can make by becoming potential stem cell donors and tell you all about what’s involved. 

Evie Needs a Hero

Eight-year old, Evie, who attends Fyling Hall’s Junior School is one of the patients supported by Anthony Nolan.  Diagnosed during lockdown Evie has a rare blood disorder known as aplastic anaemia and needs a bone marrow transplant to survive.  Because there is no match currently on the register, she needs people to sign up. She needs our help to raise awareness and encourage as many people to put themselves forward as a donor.

Raising funds and awareness

Fyling Hall is proud to support Evie and her family, and the Sixth Form have plans in the works.  Next week we will hold a Halloween dress up day.  A cake sale will take place later in the year and further plans are under discussion. All to raise funds so that awareness can continue to grow.

In the meantime, Sixth Formers should know that it is completely up to you whether you register to be a donor.  Ask questions, and please talk to your family and friends about what you’ve heard. Even if you don’t want to register, you might inspire someone else to do so.  Remember, you have the potential and power to save someone’s life.