Stem cell centre to save lives all around world

Hospital bosses in Sheffield, in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant, have won a contract with the national charity Anthony Nolan to help people across the UK and internationally who need a life-saving blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant by becoming the first regional stem cell collection centre outside London.

The charity matches donors to people with blood cancers such as leukaemia and other conditions who need transplants which can replace diseased or damaged bone marrow and immune systems.

Donors for stem cell collection will be able to donate cells in Sheffield rather than travelling to the capital.

John Snowden, blood and marrow transplant director in Sheffield, said: “This contract will help us create a first class bone marrow stem cell collection centre which will form the basis of life-saving treatments for patients all over the world.”

He added: “Of course, we are all entirely dependent on the kindness and selflessness of the individual donors to provide this collection service, and the central location in Sheffield will help their travelling and other logistical arrangements, as well as increasing the UK’s ability to meet the growing demands for bone marrow and stem cell transplantation worldwide.”

Ailsa Ogilvie, from Anthony Nolan, said: “We hope that this will not only build on our reputation for providing a world-class service, but will also allow us to provide more life-saving transplants for people with blood cancer.”