Local fundraising and awareness group, the Jersey Friends of Anthony Nolan, have raised £576,070 for the blood cancer charity since 1994.
Last week, the Friends group celebrated having raised this remarkable total by visiting Anthony Nolan’s offices and research laboratories in Hampstead, London.
Tim's story
Tim Hicklin, Chairperson of Jersey Friends of Anthony Nolan, lives in St Lawrence and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2008.
With the help of Anthony Nolan, Tim received a lifesaving stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor in August 2008, which cured him of his ALL and enabled him to return to his life as a local businessman and father to his son, George.
Tim said: ‘For more than 20 years, Jersey Friends of Anthony Nolan have done an incredible job raising money for Anthony Nolan.
‘I think considering how many charities there are out there and the coverage that they get, to continually raise over £20,000 a year is a really great effort.’
He added: ‘It’s been absolutely fascinating seeing how the charity operates, and so interesting seeing all of the research facilities. What really shines through is everybody’s enthusiasm and passion to support the charity.’
Claire's story
Claire Davidson, Vice-Chairperson of Jersey Friends of Anthony Nolan currently living in St Clement, was also diagnosed with ALL and, after Anthony Nolan found a match for her, received a lifesaving stem cell transplant in 2015.
‘To have raised such an incredible amount from such a small group of people, and from a relatively small island – only 100,000 people or so – it’s simply amazing.’
She added: ‘Anthony Nolan saved my life. Without them, I probably wouldn’t be here. For me it’s all about giving something back for the enormous gift that Anthony Nolan has given me.’
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan, said: ‘We are so grateful to the Jersey Friends of Anthony Nolan for having raised such an incredible amount of money towards our lifesaving work since 1994. Not only do the Jersey Friends tirelessly fundraise on our behalf, they are also instrumental in helping spread the word among the people of Jersey about the importance of joining the Anthony Nolan stem-cell register.
‘It was a pleasure to welcome some of the Jersey Friends to our offices and research facilities to see first-hand the impact that their wonderful support has on our work. We look forward to continuing our lifesaving partnership for many years to come’
To find more about the Jersey Friends of Anthony Nolan, call 01534 880283 or visit facebook.com/jerseyfriendsofanthonynolan/