Thank you for contacting me about bone marrow donors between the ages of 16 and 20.
I fully support efforts to increase the number of stem cell (cord blood and bone marrow) donors and I recognise the important work Anthony Nolan undertakes. When I was the Minister for Public Health I had responsibility for this invaluable work and I am a proud supporter of Anthony Nolan. I am reassured to see the Government making progress across all donations in the last four and a half years.
I recognise that as a nation we need to do all we can to encourage young people to become donors. That is why NHS Blood and Transplant has developed a free teaching resource pack called ‘Give and Let Live’, available for schools. It contains a teachers' booklet which includes case studies and background information about the need for more donors and demonstrates to young people how they can make a difference to people's lives. The pack is aimed at students aged 14 and over and is a great idea.
I also value the work that Anthony Nolan are doing on Blood Cancer. Anthony Nolan have been doing vital work in furthering the awareness, detection and treatment of Blood Cancer and in providing support for those affected by the terrible disease. During my time as Minister for Public Health, tackling cancer was a particular priority and large amounts of funding and support were provided by the department. This was directed at improving early diagnosis, screening, providing access to treatment and drugs and giving support to people living with and beyond cancer.
More generally, in each of the last four years the Department of Health has provided an extra £4 million investment in NHS stem cell services, some of which has been given to Anthony Nolan to improve the speed and ability to match donors to patients. I am pleased that this large investment will help save lives.
Thank you once again for contacting me.