Inveralmond are working closely with the fire service to highlight the work of the Anthony Nolan trust and look for volunteers from staff and students over 16.
On Thursday 10th January, all S5 and S6 students, will be invited to a presentation in the assembly hall from 10.25 to 11.15 to learn more about the Anthony Nolan trust. It will be explained at this assembly the process involved if you want to be a donor.
The following week there will be a clinic for anyone who would like to sign up as a donor. Paperwork will be checked at this point and a swab taken.
Anthony Nolan are a blood cancer charity and work to save the lives of patients with blood cancers and blood disorders by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells with patients in desperate need of a lifesaving transplant.
Every 20 minutes in the UK someone is diagnosed with blood cancer and for some their only chance of survival is a stem cell transplant. As there is only a 30% chance of finding a match from a family member the majority of people facing transplant are reliant on a complete stranger having joined a register such as Anthony Nolan's.
As younger donors provide the best possible long term outcomes for patients Anthony Nolan recruit 16-30 yr olds as donors and have a really successful education programme to help educate young people about the need for donors, what's involved in donation and to dispel some of the myths that exist.
In Scotland, Anthony Nolan have an award winning partnership with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) who visit schools to educate young people about how they can become lifesavers.
If young people decide they would like to register as a potential lifesaver they are given the chance at a later date, once they have had chance to reflect on what they've heard and have discussions with peers, parents and guardians.
You can find out all about the work of Anthony Nolan and what's involved in donation on their website www.anthonynolan.org but you might be surprised to know that in 90% of cases donation is a simple outpatient procedure similar to giving blood. This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn the facts, make informed decisions and potentially give someone a second chance of life
