The stories of our donors are inspiring.
Most donors are struck by how simple and humbling it is to help save someone’s life. They wonder why more people are not on our Register.
Here are some of their stories in their own words.
Damon Bland
"My story starts a few years ago. I was waiting to give blood at a blood donor clinic. On the seat next to me was a leaflet from The Anthony Nolan Trust, so I started reading for something to do. The next two or three minutes changed my pre-conceptions about being a bone marrow donor."
Tina Burton; a bone marrow donor - possibly
I was in the middle of making a beef curry, so wasn't really concentrating but when I scanned the Anthony Nolan letter my heart lurched.....
Anonymous Donor Story
Well, like so many of us, I received a letter six months ago in the post entering me into a special prize draw.
Jason Haddington
When I eventually became a donor it changed my outlook on life.
Beverley Whitworth
Firstly I want to ask you all a question. Do you believe in miracles?
Well if any of you don’t, then I’m sure you will when you’ve heard my testimony.
Yvonne Bignall - on joining the register
I was in Croydon minding my own business, in fact I was shopping (nothing new to those that know me!) when I saw this team of people asking the public to come forward as donors. And if you've ever had one of those defining moments when you just know it’s the right thing to do, that was it for me.
Leigh Fergus - on joining the register
I was motivated to join the bone marrow register after reading newspaper articles on Johanna McVicar and the tireless work she carried out on behalf of The Anthony Nolan Trust.
Roddy Htet-Khin - on joining the register
Joining the register and attending the recruitment clinic are both very easy. It only takes a few minutes to fill in forms after all. To anyone thinking about joining the register I’d say do it.
Noel Lilly
When I was contacted as a potential match for a donor recipient, I felt very excited and happy that I could help someone going through a traumatic event, although I went into it with a little trepidation.
Heather Ross
The donation itself, by bone marrow ‘harvest’ was very easy – I had very little discomfort, just a slight backache (like muscle strain). I was also looked after incredibly well by the staff at Anthony Nolan Trust and also at the hospital.
Gordon Hogg
When I was first notified that I might be a match for a patient in need of a transplant I felt great because one of my aims in life was to save a life.
Wendy Mann
When I was notified that I might be a match for a patient in need of a transplant, I had mixed emotions. I was very excited and proud but equally very nervous and scared. A telephone conversation with the representative from The Anthony Nolan Trust cleared any reservations I had.
Sabina Raza
Sabina is 26, and a trainee accountant. She has donated twice in the last 12 months – for the first time in August 2004, and again in January 2005. Her attitude towards donating was shaped by the experience of her younger brother, who has had leukaemia.
Mark Satchell
“There’s not much to say about the actual process – except how easy it was. It was really no different to giving blood, except it lasted for four hours – but no discomfort, no pain.
But what happened next was amazing.”
Tony Wrighton
“I get this amazing feeling just passing a stranger in the street. I ask myself : was it this person’s life I saved? It does make me feel good about myself – and it was so easy.”
Christine Brown
Christine Brown joined the Anthony Nolan Trust register in the early days. After a number of years she donated, and this is her story.
Ian Patmore
Ian Patmore answers the call to donate after 20 years on the bone marrow donor register and helps save a life.
Louise Wilson
When I was notified that I may be a possible match for a patient, I encountered feelings of excitement and pleasure tinged with nervousness. I was intrigued by the overall process and motivated by the thought of saving a life.
Laura Meadowcroft
But I’m incredibly proud to be able to donate, really happy. I feel privileged to know that, when I got up on the day of my donation, I was giving a person the one chance they have of a normal life with family and friends.
Robert Hall
I had a chance to have a big impact on someone else’s life, with so little impact on mine.
