Olivia Colman has been named as Anthony Nolan's new patron.
The actor, who has supported the charity for a number of years, will take up the role in order to raise awareness of Anthony Nolan's mission to match individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need lifesaving transplants.
Olivia's connection with Anthony Nolan came about after the charity found a stem cell donor for one of her close friends.
Olivia said: 'I'm really delighted and privileged to become a patron of Anthony Nolan, a charity I have supported for many years. The organisation helped find a donor for a dear friend of mine and that inspired me to do all I can to help the charity in return.
She added: 'Shirley Nolan was a mother who never gave up on her vision to create the world’s first bone marrow register to find a match for her son, Anthony, and others in need of a lifesaving transplant. I want to use my time as patron to raise awareness, and funds, for Anthony Nolan’s lifesaving work.'
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan said: 'Olivia has supported Anthony Nolan for a number of years and we are thrilled to welcome her as patron. Olivia’s support will help Shirley Nolan’s legacy to live on as we continue to offer patients a second chance of life with our ever-growing stem cell donor register.
'Every person that joins our register has the potential to save the life of a patient in need, but our work doesn’t end with the transplant. Our pioneering research over the last 20 years has had a major impact on survival for people undergoing stem cell transplants worldwide. Olivia is passionate and committed to our cause and I am looking forward to working with her to raise awareness of our work.'
Founded in 1974, with hope of finding a stem cell donor for a little boy in need, Anthony Nolan was the world’s first bone marrow registry. More than forty years later, the charity has expanded its reach: specialist post-transplant nurses support hundreds of patients each year and pioneering research is carried out to improve the success of stem cell transplants.
For more information about Anthony Nolan and its high profile supporters, visit www.anthonynolan.org/high-profile-supporters