To mark 50 years since Shirley Nolan founded pioneering stem cell transplant charity ‘Anthony Nolan’, a commemorative edition of her book ‘A Kiss Through Glass’ is being published.
Written by Shirley, the poignant and deeply personal memoir chronicles her journey through the devastating loss of her son, Anthony Nolan. The book details the challenges Shirley faced, her unwavering determination to save her son, and her lasting impact on the lives of countless others through her advocacy and the world’s first stem cell register she created in his name.
The ‘A Kiss Through Glass’ 2024 edition, includes new insights and commentary from benefactors of the charity. These include, stem cell donors and recipients, as well as a moving foreword from Henny Braund MBE, Anthony Nolan’s chief executive officer and a preface from Professor Alejandro Madrigal, a stem cell and research scientist, who, inspired by Shirley’s story, has dedicated his career to improving transplants.
The story will resonate with readers today, as Shirley recounts battling 1970’s NHS funding cuts, long waiting lists, and the added struggle a recession brings while caring for a sick child.
When Anthony was born in 1971, he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
Determined to do everything she could to save his life, in 1974 Shirley set up The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register. Sadly, no match for Anthony could be found and he died in 1979 aged seven. But thanks to Shirley’s vision, the charity named in his honour has helped to save thousands of lives.
Over the last 50 years the number of stem cell transplants Anthony Nolan has helped to deliver to blood cancer and blood disorder patients in the UK and across the world has multiplied.
Through its research into new cell therapies and improved treatments, the charity continues Shirley’s work to ensure that more people, regardless of background, ethnicity, or circumstance, will have a second chance of life, and a better chance to live well.
Donna Wright, who had a stem cell transplant for aplastic anaemia said “I read Shirley’s book when I was a teen and always said I would become a donor once I was old enough. Little did I know that my relationship with Anthony Nolan would take a different route. Anthony Nolan saved my life, and I couldn't be more grateful.”
Henny Braund, MBE, chief executive of Anthony Nolan, said: “50 years ago, Shirley Nolan was so determined to save her son Anthony’s life that she set up the world’s first stem cell register. This created a lifeline for patients in need of a transplant to find a matching donor.
“Thanks to Shirley’s remarkable vision, we now give four people a second chance of life every day and 26,500 people across the world have benefited from a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Through her own moving words we can pay tribute to a mother who was inspired to think differently to try and save her son. Inspired to be there for the patients of tomorrow – as we are.”
The new edition of Shirley’s memoir can be purchased from all main online outlets including Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith, Foyles and Blackwell’s for £9.99 from Thursday 25th July. All profits from the sale of this edition will go directly to Anthony Nolan.
Anthony Nolan has been saving lives through stem cell transplants for 50 years. Find out how you can support the charity’s vital work anthonynolan.org
ENDS
Copies of the book for review are available upon request.
For more information, and to enquire about media interviews, please contact the Anthony Nolan press office using press@anthonynolan.org or 020 7424 1300.
Out of hours, contact the duty press officer on 07881 265 285.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Please note: Anthony Nolan changed its name in 2011 and is no longer known as Anthony Nolan Trust.
About Anthony Nolan
Anthony Nolan is a UK stem cell transplant charity with 50 years of expertise in uniting science and people to push the boundaries of what can be achieved for blood cancer and blood disorder patients.
Its world-leading stem cell register matches potential donors to patients in need of transplants. It carries out cell and gene therapy research to increase transplant success and supports patients through their transplant journeys.
Anthony Nolan helps four people in need of a transplant a day, giving more people a second chance at life. But the charity won’t stop until all patients have access to the treatment they need, so many more survive.
Stem cells hold enormous potential and have the power to help people with blood cancers and blood disorders. This potential inspires everything Anthony Nolan does. Driven by patients, backed by stem cell donors, and powered by science, the charity won’t stop until the lifesaving potential of the cells inside us all has been uncovered.
Join Anthony Nolan’s register or support its research. Together, with your help, Anthony Nolan can unlock the answers inside us anthonynolan.org
What is a stem cell transplant?
If a patient has a condition that affects their bone marrow or blood, then a stem cell transplant may be their best chance of survival. Doctors will give new, healthy stem cells to the patient via their bloodstream, where they begin to grow and create healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Key statistics
- Founded by Shirley Nolan in 1974, Anthony Nolan celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
- The charity facilitates around 1,100 stem cell transplants from an unrelated donor every year for patients in the UK and more than 300 for patients abroad. For many, a transplant is their last chance of survival.
- Since its inception Anthony Nolan has facilitated over 26,500 transplants for people around the world.
- Around 90% of donors donate through PBSC (peripheral blood stem cell collection). This is a simple, outpatient procedure. Donors are supported throughout the process by the Anthony Nolan team.
- Currently 16% of the UK Anthony Nolan stem cell register is made up of young men, but they account for more than half of people called upon to donate.
- There is a pressing need to recruit more people from diverse backgrounds to the Anthony Nolan register, to help more patients from minority ethnic backgrounds find the lifesaving matches they need.
- Blood cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK and the third biggest cancer killer. It accounts for 9% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in the UK.
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the red blood cells in your body.
- It mostly affects people from African and Caribbean backgrounds and can be diagnosed soon after birth.
- People with SCD produce red blood cells in the shape of a ‘sickle’. These unhealthy cells stick together and get stuck in blood vessels, blocking the flow of healthy blood cells, which can cause various health complications and acute pain episodes
- To join the Anthony Nolan register, you must be 16-30 and healthy. Anthony Nolan’s world-leading Research Institute has shown younger donors offer better survival rates for patients.