Anthony Nolan

Anthony Nolan Saving lives through stem cells. Welcome to our page. We have created this page for you to share comments, feedback, questions, photos and videos.

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🚨 PLEASE SHARE: 🚨 “We are desperate for Samina to find a donor. If you’re reading this, please consider finding out mo...
19/08/2026

🚨 PLEASE SHARE: 🚨

“We are desperate for Samina to find a donor. If you’re reading this, please consider finding out more about the stem cell register, and if you’re eligible, please sign up – you could be someone’s lifesaving match.”

Naila’s sister Samina was undergoing a variety of health issues and infections, when she ended up in hospital. The medical team undertook further tests, and discovered Samina had myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare form of blood cancer.

Samina’s medical team told her that she’d need a stem cell transplant, and at first, they found a 10 out of 10 donor. But heartbreakingly, the donor was unable to proceed, and now Samina and her family are waiting and hoping for that lifesaving match to join the stem cell register.

“Samina and I married two brothers, and have always been close – even living together! Our children have all grown up together, and we’ve always supported each other through work and home life. Now, I just want to do everything I can to help Samina, and get her the treatment she needs to get better.”

“Samina is in and out of hospital, having to undergo really gruelling chemotherapy whilst she waits for a matching donor to be found. I just want to let people know how important it is to join the register - particularly for those from the South Asian community, who may not be aware of how they could potentially save a life.”

Aged 16-30? Please consider signing up today: https://www.anthonynolan.org/HelpMySister

Recently signed up? Don’t forget to send those swabs back!

Already signed up or unable to join? Please share Naila and Samina’s story

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to all the stem cell transplant researchers and healthcare professionals for saving...
18/08/2026

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to all the stem cell transplant researchers and healthcare professionals for saving my life! There are a huge number of very clever dedicated people that I met, and didn't meet, who did an amazing job. For people like me it makes so much difference. As patients we don't often get to say that directly."

Steve received a stem cell transplant in 2019, and then a second in 2020, and unfortunately he regularly experienced flare ups of graft versus host disease (GvHD), sepsis and other hospital procedures.
As we celebrate 30 years of research, Steve reflects on the work we have achieved so far – but also his hopes for the future.

"By the time I had my transplant, I had been very ill. I'd been in the ITU a few times and had lots of chemo. Having GvHD after my transplant really felt like just another set of side effects to go through.

"However, it was worse than I imagined. I think I had all the possible effects of GvHD. Skin rashes all over, which were painful and an infection risk. Mouth ulcers so painful I couldn't eat or drink and which meant I was admitted to hospital. Bowel issues that led to uncontrollable watery stools so I had to wear pads like nappies for months.

"Some of my issues, like developing diabetes and cataracts were related more to the meds I was given, rather than classic GvHD. But as the patient, you don't really distinguish between the various origins of your problems.

"Now, I'm pleased to say that I have no ongoing symptoms of GvHD. But in the future I hope things improve for patients like me. Any developments that would make a stem cell transplant less traumatic for patients would be fabulous."

At Anthony Nolan, we won't stop until every patient not only survives, but thrives, after treatment. That means carrying out research to better understand how side effects like GvHD affect patients, and working to make improvements to care and treatment to help more patients live well after their transplant.
Read more here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/blog/2026/02/12/science-seeks-make-stem-cell-transplants-more-equitable

“When I found out I was a match for my sister, the sense of relief was overwhelming. However, that quickly brought a new...
17/08/2026

“When I found out I was a match for my sister, the sense of relief was overwhelming. However, that quickly brought a new worry – what if the transplant wasn’t successful? I felt immense pressure because I cared so deeply about the outcome – for my sister, for myself and for my family. I tried to stay hopeful, but it was difficult because it was constantly on my mind.”

For some people in need of a stem cell transplant, their best option for a matching donor may come from their family. In Grace’s case, there was no full matching donor on the stem cell register, and her sister Ellen was a half match (haploidentical). Ellen was asked if she’d be willing to be her sister’s donor – but being a loved one’s donor can come with a lot of pressure.

“At times, it felt like everything rested on my shoulders. I knew logically that the outcome wasn’t something I could control, and I tried to focus on staying positive, but emotionally that was much harder, and there were moments where I couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility.”

“I went into the donation with the most positive mindset I could. Even when I had doubts, I kept reminding myself to focus on what I could control, and stay hopeful for the future.”

We’re really pleased to say that Grace is doing well post-transplant, and today Ellen shares her advice to others going through the experience of potentially being a loved one’s donor.

“It’s completely normal to feel worried and anxious, but those fears are outside of your control. All you can do is put your best foot forward and be there for your sibling. It’s really important to talk to friends and family about how you’re feeling – and don’t be afraid to share the emotional load.”

“When someone is undergoing a stem cell transplant, it’s natural for everyone’s attention to be focused on them – but being a donor is also a significant emotional and physical experience. Make sure you recognise that, and give yourself the same compassion and support you would offer to someone else.”

A huge thank you to Ellen for being so open about her experience. 💚

If you’re being tested as a potential donor for your loved one, please know we’re right here to support you. You can call us on 0303 303 0303, email us at [email protected]
or head to our website: https://bit.ly/3TM3sTF

13/08/2026

Tell us how you celebrate your re-birthday - do you incorporate anything from your donor’s country into the celebrations?

“When I was diagnosed, I quickly learned that a stem cell transplant could one day be my only chance of survival. The Sc...
13/08/2026

“When I was diagnosed, I quickly learned that a stem cell transplant could one day be my only chance of survival. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has always been about helping people. When I realised we could use that same spirit of public service to help patients also in need of a transplant, the partnership felt like a natural fit.” Ally Boyle MBE

Seventeen years ago, a lifesaving partnership was formed between Anthony Nolan and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, after Area Commander Ally Boyle MBE was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, and told he may one day need a stem cell transplant.

What began as an ambition to recruit 1200 potential donors has seen over 23,000 people join the stem cell register, and more than 135 of those go on to donate their stem cells and potentially save a life.

Today we’re celebrating the incredible team of volunteers at SFRS who have tirelessly spread the message about the lifesaving impact young people have, in their own time, at schools and colleges throughout Scotland.

“The real achievement isn’t the numbers. It’s the patients who have received a second chance at life because a young person in Scotland decided to put themselves on the register and say yes to helping a stranger.”

☀️ Have you been told to take extra care in the sun after your stem cell transplant? Here's why... Whether it's a famil...
11/08/2026

☀️ Have you been told to take extra care in the sun after your stem cell transplant? Here's why...

Whether it's a family barbecue, meeting friends in the park or simply enjoying a bit more time outdoors, the recent spell of hot weather means many of us are spending more time in the sun.

But if you've had a stem cell transplant, you may have been told to take extra care in the sunshine.

In our latest blog, we explain what graft versus host disease (GvHD) is, why sunlight matters after a donor stem cell transplant, and how you can continue to enjoy the warmer weather while protecting your skin.

If you're recovering from a stem cell transplant, understanding why this advice matters can help you enjoy the sunshine more safely.

Read the full blog here 👇

🔗 https://bit.ly/4z0crAA

If you have any questions about GvHD or your recovery, our Patient Services team is here to help. 💚

📞 0303 303 0303

📧 [email protected]

“If this jump helps raise money to give someone else more time with the people they love, then every second of fear on t...
07/08/2026

“If this jump helps raise money to give someone else more time with the people they love, then every second of fear on the way down will have been worth it."

As Tanya approaches her 30th birthday, she's choosing to do something that once felt impossible: a skydive.

There are many reasons she's taking the leap, but the main two are her parents.

Tanya lost her mum when she was just 11 years old. Despite living with a physical disability, her mum never let it stop her from living life to the fullest.

“She was one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever known, and I know she’d be absolutely thrilled to hear that I’ve signed up to do something wild like a skydive.

"In fact, if she was still here, I think she’d probably have signed up alongside me!"

Last year, Tanya sadly lost her dad after his brave battle with blood, lung and liver cancer.

“Unlike my mum, fear often held him back. He often avoided anything that felt too risky.

"After watching my dad battle blood cancer, I know just how devastating these illnesses can be, not only for the person diagnosed but for everyone who loves them."

Tanya sees qualities from both of her parents in herself.

“From my mum, I inherited her adventurous spirit, her resilience and her desire to squeeze every drop out of life. From my dad, I inherited caution, anxiety and a fear of the unknown.

"For a long time, I'd let fear win."

But now, she's determined to choose courage over comfort.

“This jump isn't just about throwing myself out of a plane. It's about honouring both of them. It's about carrying forward my mum's fearless outlook while proving to myself that I don't have to let fear dictate the life I live.” 💚

If you're interested in getting involved with a challenge like Tanya, we have plenty on our website: anthonynolan.org/events

"I joined the stem cell register after my best friend Tara lost the love of her life, Adam, to leukaemia in 2025" 💔 Seei...
06/08/2026

"I joined the stem cell register after my best friend Tara lost the love of her life, Adam, to leukaemia in 2025" 💔

Seeing the impact of Adam's illness and loss had on the people around him and losing him so young – it inspired Abbie to join the stem cell register.

"I never imagined I would actually be called upon but, despite the odds, I was identified as a match for someone needing a stem cell transplant!"

After several appointments, rescheduled donation dates, injects and few days donating - Abbie donated 5 million stem cells to a patient with blood cancer.

The experience was my physically challenging that Abbie expected, but it also became one of the most rewarding experiences she's ever done.

"Knowing that simply by signing up to the register gave me the opportunity to potentially save someone's life is something I'll never forget."

"Because of Adam, I joined the stem cell register. And because of that decision I was able to become someone's match. It shows how one person's story can go on to change another person's life."

A massive thank you to Abbie for donating her stem cells to a complete stranger 💚

05/08/2026

If you've had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T, have the recent heatwaves affected you in any way?

“Being able to inform people of the great work we do is a huge stand out moment for me - to be able to tell them just ho...
03/08/2026

“Being able to inform people of the great work we do is a huge stand out moment for me - to be able to tell them just how much this little placenta can do, and the lives it can change.”

“I'm Allie, and I work for Anthony Nolan at Leicester General Hospital as a cord blood collector. I've been here for 4 and a half years now, and absolutely love it!”

“I came across this position by chance – previously I was working as a 1:1 at a primary school. I thought maybe it was time to change my career, and saw this role advertised. It sounded interesting and rewarding, so I thought I'd give it a go. Luckily for me, I got the job and haven't looked back since.”

“Some of the most special moments so far has to be being at the birth of two my granddaughters, and collecting both their cords!”

“I wish we could educate everyone on the importance of their placenta, and how much it can do for others, including helping with lifechanging research.”

Thanks to cord collectors just like Allie, we're able to collect cord blood that would otherwise simply be thrown away, and use it for lifesaving stem cell transplants, and lifechanging research.

Pictured: Allie and one of her granddaughters 💚

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NW32NU

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