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Stem cell donor list needs a boost

Created on
07 February 2019

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For some people a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, provides a lifeline. But finding donors is not easy, even within families. Around 70 per cent of patients rely on donations from strangers.

Today, the London Assembly called on the Mayor to raise awareness of how Londoners can join the stem cell donor list.

Shaun Bailey AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“Stem cell or bone marrow transplants can literally save the lives of those living with blood cancer. We desperately need as many people as possible to sign up to the stem cell register.

“The Mayor should use his position to raise awareness of the stem cell register and actively encourage people to sign up. A positive first step would be to offer City Hall space free of charge to any organisation which can help people become donors.”

Full text of the motion

“This Assembly calls on the Mayor to raise awareness of how Londoners can join the stem cell donor list. The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to facilitate opportunities at City Hall, or at events organised by or in conjunction with the Mayor and Assembly, by encouraging organisations hosting events at City Hall to enable guests to register as a stem cell donor.”

Notes to editors

  1. Watch the full webcast.
  2. The motion was agreed unanimously.
  3. Shaun Bailey AM, who proposed the original motion, is available for interviews. 
  4. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For media enquiries, please contact Giles Broadbent on 020 7983 4607.  For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.  Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.

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