Become a potential life saver

YOUNG men from the Banffshire and Buchan coast are particularly being encouraged to become stem cell donors.

The call is being made to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

The constituency's MSP Stewart Stevenson said: "I am very proud that Banffshire and Buchan Coast has 1,293 registered donors – any one of whom could offer someone with blood cancer a second chance at life.

"I would especially like to commend the great work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in engaging local communities, particularly secondary schools across Scotland. They’ve recruited more than 50 people who have gone on to donate.

"Their steadfast commitment over the past 10 years has had a truly lifesaving impact.

"Donating stem cells is straightforward but it could make an enormous difference to someone with no other chance of a cure- I’d encourage even more of my constituents to register."

Men aged between 16 and 30 are especially being sought to come forward, as are people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

The Anthony Nolan charity uses its register to match potential stem cell donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a stem cell transplant.

It also carries out vital research to make stem cell transplants more successful, and supports patients.

Henny Braund, chief executive of the Anthony Nolan charity, said: "To everyone from Banffshire and Buchan Coast who has taken the decision to join the register, thank you.

"We rely on young people aged 16-30 joining the register now to save lives in the future. Without you, there is no cure."

For more information about donating click here

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