Written question asked by Mike Thornton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 28 January 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2015. It was answered by Jane Ellison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 February 2015 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Stem Cells: Donors

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will work in partnership with charitable organisations to increase awareness of stem cell donation among young people.

Answer: Since 2010 the Department has provided almost £16 million additional funding to improve the provision of cells in the United Kingdom. Bone marrow donors are recruited by NHS Blood and Transplant and the partner charity Anthony Nolan. Departmental funding has allowed these organisations money to recruit young male donors most likely to be suitable to donate bone marrow. Anthony Nolan recruit donors in a variety of ways including groups of university students or ‘Marrow Groups’ that encourage younger individuals to register.

Secondary information