Hampshire Police are working with Anthony Nolan to recruit police officers as bone marrow donors. The drive was set up by police officer Celine and husband police inspector Steve Bowen whose toddler, Joseph, is recovering from leukaemia.
The Bowen’s are holding a force wide donor recruitment drive between April and August 2013. The three events so far have seen an incredible 69 police officers and staff sign up to Anthony Nolan’s bone marrow register.
Celine, Joseph’s mother, says, ‘Joseph was diagnosed with Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in April 2011, and completed his treatment in April 2013. He responded well to treatment which meant there has, so far, been no requirement for a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. We have been warned, however, that there is a 50% probability of relapse over the next two years. If faced with this prospect, there will be no alternative but for him to receive a bone marrow transplant.
‘Two children we have met as a result of our journey have been required to go down this route, both going on to make a full recovery. We have, therefore, witnessed for ourselves the importance of the stem cell/bone marrow register and the need for more donors to join.
‘Being part of a large organisation, full of young and healthy individuals, Steven and I felt it only right we do what we can to help raise awareness and encourage our colleagues to join the register. It may be that, one day, we will be calling on one of them to help save our little boy’s life.’
Karen Archer, Regional Recruitment Manager at Anthony Nolan, says ‘So far, the response from Hampshire Police has been amazing and many have been putting themselves forward as potential donors. Most people don’t realise how simple becoming a bone marrow donor is, so we urge everyone to find out more and join the register. We particularly need young men to join the register, as they are the most likely to be chosen as donors.’
Upcoming recruitment events with Hampshire Police:
- Winchester Police Station - 20 June
- Havant Police Station - 10 July
- Portsmouth Central Station - 10 July
- Lyndhurst Station - 24 July
- Newport Station - 6 August
- Fareham Station - 20 August
- Gosport Station - 20 August
If you are aged 16–30 and in good health, join the register online.
Find out more about Joseph’s journey.