New Video to Increase Interest in Stem Cell
A new video urging young people to join the stem cell register has been launched by One Voice Blackburn.
‘Joining the stem cell register could save a life’ has been produced in partnership with Anthony Nolan, and features stem cell transplant recipient Aneesa (Anie) Hussain being interviewed by 14-year-old One Voice member Zainab Hanslod.
The video has been viewed more than 50,000 times on YouTube and other social media channels to encourage people to join the stem cell register. It was filmed in Blackburn’s Exchange Coffee earlier in the summer.
One Voice Blackburn and Anthony Nolan have also 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.
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.
Anie Hussain was more than pleased with the outcome of the final version.
“I really enjoyed being part of this video, being given the opportunity to share my personal story and knowing that people will hear how important the stem cell register is, is super vital to continue the lifesaving work that the register does. One Voice Blackburn really listen and understand the importance and took care of me when sharing such vulnerable details of my story. Let’s continue to save lives!”
Partnership Manager at Anthony Nolan, Holly Gooch, said:
‘I loved being involved! It was so brilliant to see how passionate everyone in the room was about creating something really engaging – and they absolutely did that! It’s a brilliant video that I’m so excited for people to see. Anie’s story is such a stark reminder of why we need more men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds to join the register so that every patient in need of a transplant can have a second chance at life, just like Anie did.’
Learn more about Anthony Nolan
