ALEX Rowley MSP met with the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan in the Scottish Parliament to find out more about their work, recognise the success of donors in the region, and find out what can be done to encourage even more people to join the register.

September marks blood cancer awareness month. Every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.

And when no other treatment works, a stem cell transplant can be a patient’s last chance of survival. The Anthony Nolan stem cell register helps find matching donors for patients in desperate need of transplant and give them a second chance of life.

Mid Scotland and Fife has the highest percentage of men aged 16-30 on the stem cell register as well as being ranked first in terms of youngest potential lifesavers on the register.

Commenting on the news Mr Rowley said: “I was grateful to hear about the important work of Anthony Nolan and their campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer and encourage more individuals to join the stem cell donor register.

“It is amazing that in our region there are already so many people registered, but even more will mean a greater chance of finding donors when needed".

“Anthony Nolan need more people to join the register, especially young men aged 16-30 and more people from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds. To sign up please consider visiting Anthonynolan.org/join”