Helping Leukaemia victims

Newark and Sherwood District Council will host a recruitment clinic for potential bone marrow donors.

The Newark Advertiser is working with the council and the Anthony Nolan Trust, the charity which administers the international bone marrow register, to hold a session where members of the public and council staff can join the register, providing they meet the relevant criteria.

Anyone wanting to join the register will be able to attend the clinic in the Carriage Court at Kelham Hall on August 21st from 3pm to 7pm.

A transplant donation will only be required if your blood sample is an exact match to the person requiring a transplant.

The Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Councillor Tony Roberts, is already on the donor register, and is encouraging others to join too.

Cllr Roberts said: “At the time I was someone who was completely frightened of needles and was apprehensive about the whole process. “However, I found it was very quick, very easy, and is literally a finger’s worth of blood. “It is a simple process which can make a huge difference to someone’s life. “I am too old now to be a donor but I would heartily recommend to anyone that they take part. It’s a good thing to do. “If you do the National Lottery every week, and look at those odds, then the odds of giving blood to the Anthony Nolan Trust and eventually being able to save someone’s life are much better indeed.”

For more details about how to join the register, visit the charity’s website at www.anthonynolan.org.uk  or call The Anthony Nolan Trust’s hotline number - 0901 8822234. Callers can leave their details and will be sent a bone marrow donor information pack. Calls cost 25p per minute.