Anthony Nolan charity is bowled over by players

Aug 17 2010 by Chris Ward, The Journal

Overall, more than 120 players have already signed up to the register since the campaign launched in April this year.

Chairman of Derwentside Round Table, Jim Dawson said: “The response of the cricket clubs to this campaign has been fantastic. Round Table has supported the Anthony Nolan Trust for many years and we are delighted to work with local cricket clubs to increase the numbers on their life-saving donor register.”

The Anthony Nolan Trust helps those living with leukaemia by managing and recruiting new donors to the UK’s most successful bone marrow register.

It also conducts pioneering research into the treatment of bone marrow disorders and improving the effectiveness of bone marrow transplants. The trust urges all eligible volunteers to come forward, but they have a specific clinical need to recruit more male, ethnic minority and mixed race volunteers.

A trust spokeswoman said: “It’s fantastic news to hear that Steve Harrison has joined Anthony Nolan’s register.

“Young, healthy men make the best donors and we don’t have enough of them on our register, so it’s great that Cricket Against Leukaemia is enjoying such success in the North East to recruit more. As the need for new donors is urgent, we’d hope that Steve joining the register will encourage other young men to do the same and potentially save a life.”

Any clubs wanting to support the campaign should contact Rob Grinter, secretary of Shotley Bridge Cricket Club, on 07792 602142.

You can find more information about the Anthony Nolan Trust by logging onto the internet at www.anthonynolan.org