But please bear with them – their UK operations only began in 2013 (they are the biggest worldwide donor charity) and they are open to a much wider age group than others, so have been a little swamped. This is a good thing, so be patient. Being a donor is a marathon, not a sprint – you may go on the register and wait a decade or more to be matched, so a few weeks here or there will not make any difference.

 

If you are aged 18-30 you can also register via the www.Anthony Nolan Trust.org

 

Unlock a life every day you donate. For those who want to do something regular – become a blood, and platelet, donor. You can register to donate stem cells at the same time. Laughlin needed over 30 transfusions, and over 40 platelet transfusions, and at times needed these every 2 days.

 

You are never too old to help unlock a life...

 

Promote donation - How many 18-55 year olds do you know?

 

Sponsor a donator – either commit to a donation if someone you know donates, or a set amount for every 10, 5, 2 people you know who donate.  

 

Help to ensure that as many donors as possible get the chance. All donation agencies should be working together to expand the register – so if a potential donor does not meet one organisation’s criteria THEY STILL REFER THEM ON rather than giving them a flat NO.