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.

We want you to feel safe and comfortable using this page so please have a look at our House Rules: https://www.anthonynolan.org/anthony-nolans-social-media-platforms

Privacy

People who use this page often want to post messages of support for loved ones who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer. This is a really great thing to do, but we need to make sure you are aware of data protection requi

rements concerning privacy. If you want to name individuals who have been diagnosed with a medical condition, you must get their explicit consent before doing so. To protect privacy, we may remove posts which reveal confidential information about patients, transplants, any of our donors (including donors of blood stem cells , bone marrow or umbilical cord blood ), or anything relating to collections from our donors. You can find out more about data protection and privacy on the Information Commissioner’s website: http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public.aspx or our website: http://www.anthonynolan.org/

Medical Concerns

People may post medical tips and ideas in the page. Please remember that any content posted here should not be considered medical advice. You should discuss any questions or concerns about your health with your healthcare professional(s). Respect

Please keep all posts relevant and respectful of others. This is a safe space for people to communicate safely and comfortably. Anthony Nolan may, at our sole discretion, remove any posts which we consider inappropriate or offensive, including posts which are harassing, abusive, obscene, hateful, racist, sexist or homophobic, as well as posts which promote commercial products or illegal activities, or which violate Facebook’s terms of service. If you continue to post inappropriate or offensive messages we may remove you from the page. Our page is normally only monitored by us Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm excluding bank holidays in England and Wales. If you think someone is misusing the page or breaking the House Rules, or if you have any feedback on how to make this group a better space, please contact: [email protected].

23/06/2026

We’re celebrating 30 years of the Anthony Nolan Research Institute! What would you like to say to our researchers?

In tonight’s episode of BBC EastEnders, Denise’s family are shocked to learn that none of them are full matches for Deni...
22/06/2026

In tonight’s episode of BBC EastEnders, Denise’s family are shocked to learn that none of them are full matches for Denise, if she needs a stem cell transplant.

People often assume that if you’re related to someone, you’ll automatically be a good enough match for them for a stem cell transplant, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Only around 1 in 3 patients will find a matching donor within their family.

When searching for a matching donor, the donor’s HLA type must match the patient's HLA type as closely as possible. Your HLA type is inherited from both your parents. The goal is to find a 12/12 match, when all 12 of the patient and donor's alleles match.

The better the match, the better chance of the donor’s stem cells being able to establish themselves, and the less likely that problems will develop after the stem cell transplant.

Parents and children will always be a half match (6/12) for each other, because children receive half of their DNA from each parent.

Full biological siblings have the best chance of being a full match - there is a 25% chance you will fully match your brother or sister.

If no match is found in the family, the search turns to the stem cell register - where we will search the database to hopefully find a matching 12/12 donor.

If no full match is found on the stem cell register, the medical team may choose to use a haploidentical donor - this is normally a family member with a 6/12 match.

The period where your medical team is searching for a matching donor can be really stressful and worrying, but we’re here to help. Our lovely team are available on 0303 303 0303, or at [email protected] if you have any questions, concerns or just want someone to talk to.

“I joined the stem cell register over 7 years ago. My grandad had blood cancer, and it opened my eyes to how much people...
22/06/2026

“I joined the stem cell register over 7 years ago. My grandad had blood cancer, and it opened my eyes to how much people and their families rely on the kindness of strangers during such uncertain and frightening times. Joining the register felt like a meaningful way to honour him.”

"When I chose to donate, I wasn’t thinking about recognition or thanks. I was thinking about hope. The kind that appears when things feel uncertain, the kind that gives someone another morning, another laugh and another chance to sit with the people they cherish.

"Right now, through science, and the kindness of many people working hard behind the scenes in a quiet and meaningful way, I have given and helped someone continue their journey of becoming a healthier and stronger version of themselves.

"All I can say to someone who is considering joining the stem cell register is, do it. My experience has been so positive, and it showed me just how powerful a simple decision can be.

"You might never be called, but if you are, you could give someone a second chance at life and that feeling cannot be beaten. It’s such a small commitment with the potential to make an enormous difference, and knowing you could be that hope for someone is truly special.”

Leah gave a family the gift of hope, and time with their family and friends. 💚
Aged 16-30? You could do the same – join the stem cell register today: anthonynolan.org/join

21/06/2026

On Father’s Day, Philip writes a letter to his daughter, who gave him the greatest gift of all - a second chance of life.

Today, as well as celebrating the gift that Issey has given her dad, we’re also thinking of those who find today hard. Please know you’re not alone - and we’re right here to support you 💚

“It was almost two years to the day when I donated that I lost my dad to cancer. I thought about him when I was donating...
20/06/2026

“It was almost two years to the day when I donated that I lost my dad to cancer. I thought about him when I was donating, and how the person I was donating to could be someone else’s dad too – I would have done anything to have even an extra month or two with my old man.”

Jack joined the stem cell register because he was looking for ways he could help others – including blood donation, and donating your body to science. It wasn’t until 8 years later that he got the call up to donate.

After his donation, he was asked if he’d do a lymphocyte donation for his recipient – a similar process to donating your stem cells, to give your recipient’s immune system a boost to help their recovery.

“The second donation actually ended up being the day my partner was induced for the birth of our baby! Anthony Nolan wanted to postpone it so I could be there for Kirsty, but Kirsty and I didn’t want to delay it – we knew because of what we’d been through with my dad that every moment matters.”

“Once we made the decision to go ahead, the hospital was great – they put me to the front of the queue, and I was hooked up and donating before the others had finished their paperwork! I was out by 12, and headed to the hospital with Kirsty at 2pm – and then our baby, Murphy, arrived in the world!”

Jack’s selflessness meant that his recipient was given another chance of life – more time to spend with their family and loved ones, and make memories together.

If you get the call up to donate, rest assured that we’ll do all we can to make the process as easy and convenient as possible for you – whether that’s working around important dates, or explaining each step of the process in advance.

“To think that Miles is alive because of what Shirley did for her son who had the same condition is incredible. We feel ...
18/06/2026

“To think that Miles is alive because of what Shirley did for her son who had the same condition is incredible. We feel so grateful to all the people who have helped make progress in stem cell transplant so that people like our little boy can go on to live a normal life.”

Miles was diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome soon after birth. Without a transplant, he was unlikely to reach his fifth birthday.

Miles’ mum, Helen, said: "The doctor reassured us he was likely to find a donor but even then, you don’t let yourself believe it. I’d read stories of people who didn’t have matches and it was terrifying.

“Just before Christmas we got the news that Miles had a match, and he had his transplant when he was one. It was such a massive relief. It’s awful that was the first two years of his life, but he got through it relatively smoothly. We feel so lucky compared to what other people have experienced.”

The outlook for patients in need of a stem cell transplant has changed dramatically in recent decades.

In 1974, no match could be found for Anthony Nolan, who also had Wiskott Aldrich syndrome.

Today, thanks to research and growth of the register, our researchers estimate a patient with the same tissue type as Anthony would have a 93% chance of finding a suitable match.

That’s why we’re celebrating 30 years of research at Anthony Nolan. Our science to learn the secrets of the immune system, unpick what makes the best donor matches, and improve treatments is helping people like Miles survive and thrive after a transplant.

Find out more: https://anthonynolan.org/what-we-do/our-research/30-years-research-progress

Tonight’s episode of BBC EastEnders follows Denise as she begins treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). As her fam...
17/06/2026

Tonight’s episode of BBC EastEnders follows Denise as she begins treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). As her family rally around her, the storyline touches on the possibility of a stem cell transplant, and we see her daughters Chelsea and Libby being tested as potential matches.

Testing usually only starts once the medical team know a transplant is the right route. The transplant team will test any biological siblings as they have the highest chance of being a match. If no biological sibling is found to be a match, the team will turn to us to search UK and international registers for the best possible donor.

Parents and children (like Chelsea and Libby) are always a half match (called a haploidentical match). You can find more information on haplo transplants over on our site: anthonynolan.org/haplo

We know storylines like Denise’s can feel really close to home. If you’re watching and finding it tough, our helpline is here for you on 0303 303 0303, or you can email [email protected].

“What started as a huge challenge quickly became something far tougher than we ever imagined. But we completed it - to h...
17/06/2026

“What started as a huge challenge quickly became something far tougher than we ever imagined. But we completed it - to honour my brother.�To raise awareness & funds for Anthony Nolan.�And to prove that even through pain, grief & struggle - you keep moving forward.”

Last month, Lee and his friend Shai completed an extraordinary endurance challenge in memory of Lee’s brother, Aaron.

Over 11 days, Lee and Shai:

🚴‍♂️ cycled 1875 km – the length of the UK, battling brutal weather, exhaustion and sleep deprivation

🧗‍♂️ climbed 47km - including carrying their bikes up the UK’s largest three mountains

🚣‍♂️ kayaked 61 km - the largest lakes in England, Scotland and Wales

All in memory of Aaron.

At just 28 years old, Aaron was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and received a stem cell transplant as part of his treatment. After a long journey and a relapse in 2017 heartbreakingly, just 18 months later, Aaron passed away surrounded by family and friends. He left behind three young sons, Alfie, Jacob and Finley.

Before he passed, Aaron had started fundraising for Anthony Nolan himself. Lee made a promise to continue that mission.

Over the years, Lee has taken on some hugely physical challenges – including cycling from London to Paris in 24 hours, from Lands End to John o Groats in just 5 days, and cycling between the Three Peaks – then climbing them with their bikes on their backs.

“This was the final challenge, and it really was tough. And it pushed us further than expected. Through relentless wind and rain, dangerous conditions on the water, physical breakdown, sleep deprivation, and even a high-speed crash, we kept moving forward - fuelled by purpose, grit, and Aaron’s memory.”

“To my big brother Aaron - I hope we’ve made you proud. I hope somewhere you were watching, laughing at us, shaking your head at the chaos at times, and guiding us in your own way.”

“And to Shai - I genuinely do not know another man who could have stood beside me and completed what we’ve just done. Through every climb, every lake, every setback, every dark moment and every ridiculous day of exhaustion - you never once wavered. I genuinely could not have done this without you”.

Together, Lee, Shai and their supporters have now raised over £3,800 for Anthony Nolan and hope to reach £5,000 - helping families navigating the stem cell transplant journey and giving them hope.

Thank you, Lee and Shai, for turning grief into purpose, and for honouring Aaron in such an extraordinary way 💚

“Running for Anthony Nolan was my way of saying thank you – to the charity and to Rosie’s donor – for giving us that ext...
12/06/2026

“Running for Anthony Nolan was my way of saying thank you – to the charity and to Rosie’s donor – for giving us that extra time. Raising money was amazing, but even more importantly, if someone sees this and joins the stem cell register, that would mean everything.”

Meet Chloe, who works for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, one of our amazing partners, and was part of Team AN at this year’s TCS London Marathon! Today, she reflects on marathon day, and why it meant so much to her.

"I’ve only been running for about 6 years, but I’ve always loved watching the – even before I started running – so it’s always been something I’ve wanted to be part of. I never expected to get the opportunity, so I feel very lucky to have run it for Anthony Nolan.”

“Thanks to Anthony Nolan, we were able to spend more years making memories with my wonderful friend Rosie. She received not one, but two stem cell donations, giving us more time with her – time to make memories we’ll always be grateful for.”

“Being a part of Team AN was amazing – the support you get was brilliant, and even the other people running were so supportive and caring. On the day, seeing the Anthony Nolan cheer points really helped too – they were such a boost!”

👟 Want to be part of Team AN? Lace up your trainers and join us: we have places at Manchester and Brighton marathons, as well as shorter distances such as the Royal Parks Half and the London Landmarks Half. Find out more and apply today: https://www.anthonynolan.org/events/running

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