This Christmas DKMS Bedford Hub is asking local people to give the ultimate gift and join the international stem cell register.
Anyone between 17-55 years of age can register at dkms.org.uk/en/bedfordhub, you’ll then receive a cheek swab kit for you to provide a sample.
This is analysed to see if you are a tissue match for someone who has a life-threatening blood disorder.
If you are a match, you could be asked to donate your stem cells from your blood.
The DKMS Bedford Hub was set up in May 2018 by Poonam Chand and other passionate volunteers as part of the desperate search to find a stem cell match for five-year-old leukaemia patient Kaiya.
Sadly Kaiya passed away in January 2019 but the Bedford hub continues on their mission to give as many people a second chance at life as possible.
“Our collective network has allowed us to register potential blood stem cell donors at a variety of different events,” said Poonam.
“The generosity and enthusiasm for becoming a lifesaver in waiting has resulted in us attending and setting up several large stem cell registration events”
DKMS Bedford hub have registered over 2,200 people at 50 registration events already but their mission is far from over and the need more people to register to increase the chances of helping those in need.
If you’re unable to join the register but would still like to help, get in touch to find out about local volunteering opportunities and other ways to support DKMS.
