One Voice Blackburn and Anthony Nolan have been working in partnership for the last two years to recruit more potential donors from all ethnicities to the stem cell register and improve outcomes for patients.

In the next two years One Voice Blackburn will continue to recruit young people aged between 16 and 30 to the stem cell register. The charity has recruited over 200 individuals to the register since April 2023. The organisation has also released a video with a stem cell recipient that is used across the UK and is looking to produce a further video talking about the religious aspects of stem cell donation.

According to Anthony Nolan, every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer. Blood cancer is the most common type of cancer in children. 2,200 people each year need a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor. There is clear disparity in equity of access to treatment for those from minority ethnic backgrounds. There is a real need young men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds to sign up and help save lives.

One Voice Blackburn and Anthony Nolan have carried out several stem cell drive events where individuals can join the register. These have taken place in education and community settings to increase the number of young people from a BAME background to join the stem cell register.

For people with blood cancer and blood disorders a stem cell transplant from a stranger is often their best chance of survival. Anthony Nolan needs more people from south Asian communities on the register so more people can find the matching donor they desperately need. 

Holly Gooch, Senior Partnerships Manager at Anthony Nolan, says: 
‘We’re proud to fund One Voice Blackburn via the Anthony Nolan Partnership Grant and continue our collaboration to grow and diversify the stem cell register. 

‘Their crucial initiatives will engage local communities to increase the number of stem cell donors from minority ethnic backgrounds. This will enable Anthony Nolan to provide more second chances at life – particularly for patients who are more likely to be told there is no matching stem cell donor for them. 

‘We believe that everyone should be able to find their perfect match, regardless of their ethnicity, and look forward to working with One Voice Blackburn.’

Zaffer Khan, Chief Executive of One Voice Blackburn, added:
“Our partnership with Anthony Nolan is unique because we are able to offer our valuable community insight to their delivery plans. We are privileged that a reputable organisation such as Anthony Nolan has put their trust in One Voice Blackburn for the next two years in increasing the numbers on the stem cell register. Ultimately our work aims to save lives. Nothing is more important than that.”