Join the Stem Cell Register

We’re proud to be partnering with Anthony Nolan, a UK charity saving lives through stem cell donation.

Across the weekend at SPARK, Anthony Nolan will be hosting an on-site recruitment and awareness space, giving you the chance to learn more about stem cell donation – and, if eligible, sign up to the register on the day.

Every 13 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood disorder. For many patients, a stem cell transplant is their best chance of survival, but finding a matching donor isn’t guaranteed. By signing up to the stem cell register, you could one day be the person who gives someone else a second chance at life.

Anthony Nolan will be based in our STUDIOS space downstairs, which will be transformed into a hub where you can learn about stem cell donation and how it works, hear real stories about people whose lives have been changed by donation, and ask questions in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.

Still interested in doing something cheek-y (get it… because of the cheek swab), you can sign up on the day to join the stem cell register. Signing up is quick and simple – and the process is far easier than they expect.

All of our traders will be open as usual, so you can grab food, drinks, and enjoy while supporting a cause that genuinely makes a difference. Whether you come specifically for the event or stumble across it while visiting, we’d love you to stop by and get involved.

You don’t need to book – just turn up, have a conversation, and see how a small action could have a life-changing impact.

Thinking of joining the register, here’s a few things you need to know:

Joining the register is easy and free.
You need to be aged 16-30 to join the stem cell register.
You’ll stay on the register and can still donate until you turn 61.
You may think it is obvious, but just to be clear, joining the register doesn’t mean you will automatically go on to donate your stem cells. In fact, most people won’t. It may be that there aren’t any patients with your tissue type. Even if you are a potential match, more checks will need to be made before you actually go on to donate. And of course, should the time come, you’ll want to chat to the medical teams involved before giving the final go-ahead.
If you’re a match, cleared to donate and happy to go ahead, Anthony Nolan arrange everything with you, and they’ll book and pay for hotels, travel, and any reasonable expenses for you and a companion, including any loss of earnings if required. There are two ways you could be asked to donate, and you need to be comfortable with both as doctors decide which is best:
90% of people donate in a process called peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection, which uses a special machine to filter our stem cells from your bloodstream. You’ll receive a course of injections for a few days first, then go into hospital for the collection, which usually takes around 4-5 hours.
10% of people donate through their bone marrow. The cells are collected from your hip bone. You’re placed under a general anaesthetic throughout. This means you will be unconscious and won’t feel any pain. You’ll stay in hospital for two nights.
When you join the register, you complete a swab test. Swabs don’t hurt. They’re a bit like giant cotton buds that you simply move around your mouth. Easy!