Devon teenager shortlisted for national charity award
George Stafford, 19, has been shortlisted as Donor Champion of the Year at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2016.
The prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards are back for their fourth year to celebrate, recognise and thank the outstanding supporters who keep the pioneering blood cancer charity moving forward.
After watching his two best friends battle blood cancer, George, from West Hill, near Exeter registered as a potential stem cell donor with Anthony Nolan as soon as he was able.
In February 2016, George was identified as a match and went on to donate bone marrow to a stranger in need of a stem cell transplant. His openness, passion and eloquence in sharing his remarkable story have made an invaluable contribution to the charity’s cause. He raised awareness through interviews with the Daily Mirror and BBC Radio 5Live.
He spoke passionately at the Marrow AGM this year, the student branch of Anthony Nolan, inspiring hundreds of Marrow students as they begin a new year of recruiting donors.
George said, “It feels humbling to be shortlisted for the Donor Champion of the Year Award. My best mate, Aidan, is only alive today because a stranger was willing to donate stem cells, so it feels amazing for me to be able to save a life too. It’s such a special experience; it’s only natural that I’d want to share that story with as many people as possible.”
Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential stem cell donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a stem cell transplant. It also carries out vital research to make stem cell transplants more successful, and supports patients through their transplant journey.
Henny Braund, Chief Executive at Anthony Nolan, says, ‘George Stafford is an incredible supporter of the charity and we’re delighted that he has been shortlisted for this award. His story is really very remarkable and the openness with which he’s shared has really highlighted the importance of stem cell transplants. Thousands of people support Anthony Nolan and enable us to carry out our lifesaving work. George really has gone above and beyond in his commitment to the charity and we’re so grateful for everything that he does.’
Henny added: ‘This year’s awards will be a fitting occasion to bring all these people together and thank them for helping us to save more lives every day.’
The awards ceremony takes place on 22nd November in the House of Commons and winners will be announced at the event.
For more information, go to www.anthonynolan.org/awards
