Gary Lineker and Kasabian back stem cell donors campaign
Gary Lineker and Kasabian are among a host of stars backing a campaign to recruit more young people as stem cell donors.
De Montfort University is holding a recruitment drive for the Anthony Nolan Trust bone marrow register on campus tomorrow.
The Leicester celebrities are urging young people to join the register, which matches blood cancer patients in need of a transplant with donors.
Gary's son George was diagnosed with leukaemia as a child and his life was saved by treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
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Backing the campaign, Gary – who was given an honorary doctorate by the university in 2009 – said: "A bone marrow transplant can be the last chance of survival for someone with blood cancer, but it's only when you are faced with it and you see the shortage of bone marrow donors available that you realise just how important it is for people to sign up.
"I'd urge everyone to think about joining the Anthony Nolan register."
Leicester rockers Kasabian said: "The Anthony Nolan trust is a fantastic charity which strives to create a worldwide database of stem cells that can be donated to people who need them to survive.
"Please take time to look into this as it is a fantastic charity that will only get better with people's help."
Other stars backing the campaign include Fun Lovin' Criminals and The Specials.
In a statement, Fun Lovin' Criminals – whose drummer, Frank Benbini, is from Leicester – said: "The greatest feeling is to give the gift of life and helping someone live when they have been hit with a crushing disease, well that is nothing short of a miracle.
"We all hold that power, so please take the time to get involved and learn about how you can help make a huge difference with the Anthony Nolan stem cell register."
The Specials have two Leicester musicians – Jon Read and Tim Smart – playing in their brass section.
Backing the campaign, they said: "Please take the time to head down to De Montfort University and join the Anthony Nolan register.
"All you have to do to sign up is give a spit sample, it's as simple as that.
"Those few minutes could end up saving a life."
Students at the university have been working with the Anthony Nolan Trust and the Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign, set up by Leicester police inspector Rik Basra after a battle with blood cancer. More than 100 student volunteers from De Montfort's Mile2 programme are running the event.
Rik, who is recovering following a transplant, said: "We're thrilled so many famous faces have taken the time to send this message of support."
Anyone aged 16 to 30 is invited to go along to the Campus Centre, in Mill Lane, Leicester, between 9.30am and 4pm to join the register.
There are 1,700 people in the UK in need of a life-saving transplant – but a lack of donors means only half will receive one and survive.
Leicester Tigers, Leicester City, former Leicestershire and England cricketer Paul Nixon, Leicester Riders, Chief Constable Simon Cole and MPs Jon Ashworth and Liz Kendall have also backed the campaign.
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