Life saving registration events to take place in Guernsey

Tuesday 17 July 2018

Four events will be taking place this summer to help add more people from Guernsey to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.

Each year many people locally are diagnosed with types of blood cancer which require treatment from donor cells or bone marrow transplants and now there is an easy way for people register to help.

One patient waiting for a stem cell transplant is Mark Fallaize, 53, who has myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and has been told by doctors that he urgently requires new stem cells from a stranger to rebuild his immune system, so he can fight infection and disease. Anthony Nolan have sprung into action and are now searching for a new matching donor for Mr Fallaize.

Mr Fallaize, who has worked for the Post Office on Guernsey for 31 years, was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in May 2016 and was treated with three courses of chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital. He returned to work but last month he was told he had developed MDS. 

"My family were devastated when they found out about my diagnosis," he said. "They’ve shown great strength, solidarity and support, but I think it’s really hard for them – especially when I’m not around. I have a granddaughter who is two years old in August, and it’s so important to me that I’m able to spend time with her as she grows up."

He hopes people will register in case they can help him, or other people: "You might not be a match for me, but you could help one person out there who really needs you, and that makes it all worth it."

It costs £40 to recruit each potential donor to the register, so the Anthony Nolan Trust relies on financial support. The Guernsey Friends of Anthony Nolan will also be holding a number of recruitment events across the island where you can attend and join the register - you need to be between the ages of 16 - 30 and in good health.

The details of these are:

Tuesday 31 July
12:00 - 14:00 at the Digital Greenhouse in Market Street, St Peter Port

17:00 - 20:00 at Bels Football Club, Victoria Avenue, St Peter Port

Wednesday 1 August
12:00 - 14:00- at the Digital Greenhouse

17:00 - 20:00 at Guernsey Post, Envoy House, La Vrangue, St Peter Port

Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. The charity said they do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells, to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. They also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. They won’t stop until they save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings them closer to that day.