Miriam González Durántez has hosted a reception to mark our 40th anniversary.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s wife, who has supported us for many years, attended the event at Lancaster House, in London’s West End, yesterday evening.
She was joined by well-known faces including Dire Straits guitarist John Illsley, television presenter Joe Crowley, writer and comedian Dominic Holland and former Miss England Kate Hallam.
John Illsley and Kate Hallam
Also present was Simon Bostic who, in 1973, became the first person in the world to receive a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor.
The reception, which was also attended by nearly 300 Anthony Nolan supporters, bone marrow donors and transplant recipients, was held to celebrate the charity’s anniversary as well as to thank key supporters for their hard work.
Joe Crowley at the reception
Running from 6pm until 8pm it also allowed us to showcase our successes during this anniversary year and to focus on the priorities for the next 40 years.
Successes that were recognised included Anthony Nolan being the official charity partner of the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon and the opening of the Manchester cord blood collection centre.
Priorities for the next year were discussed and included building the register and, particularly, encouraging people from ethnic minorities to join.
Ms González Durántez particularly championed our cord blood and education programmes, telling guests: ‘Cord blood and bone marrow donation is a courageous act of generosity.’
Miriam González Durántez talking at the reception
Henny Braund, our Chief Executive, added: 'Thank you for supporting Anthony Nolan, here's to the next 40 years of saving lives. We promise not to waste a minute.'