Click here for info on how to register:

http://www.aclt.org/



or phone : 0208 667 1122

The next 2 registration clinics and locations details are as follows:

Saturday 22nd April, Time 10am to 6pm at the London Fire Brigade Southwark Training Centre, (Sir Frederick Delve Suite), 94 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 OSD.

Wednesday 26th April, Time 2pm to 9pm at the Waverley School - Homestall Road, London, SE22 0NR

If the above dates or venues are not convenient to you then we would strongly suggest that you contact the National Blood Service, which has 2nd largest register in the UK of potential bone marrow donors, but you have to be aged 18-44. The NBS are always in your area promoting the need for blood donation as well as the urgency for new potential bone marrow donors.

Please call them on 0845 7 711 711. Tell them you want to become a blood and bone marrow donor, they will ask what area you live or work in and can direct you to the closest donation session taking place possibly that same day. They will also post out to you information on blood registration drives in your area.

If you are willing and able to donate a unit of blood as well as joining the bone marrow register please give them a call and help Yvette Gate, Donna Benjamin and the many others. It is imperative that you must ensure to inform the NBS staff at the registration clinic that you want to also register as a potential Bone Marrow donor. (Do not presume that the NBS staff will automatically test you for Bone Marrow purposes)

You will then be asked to read and sign the necessary Bone Marrow form in addition to the standard Blood Transfusion form. When you are donating a unit of blood for transfusion purposes, a small amount will also be taken and put aside for Bone Marrow testing.

Thank You

Daniel De-Gale's cousin becomes a life saving donor





My name is Kamisha Guthrie; I am 25 years old and a Psychologist of Learning Disabilities. More importantly I have donated Bone Marrow for an individual suffering with leukaemia and I am the first cousin of ex-leukaemia sufferer Daniel De-Gale.

I joined the Bone Marrow register on Sunday 20th October 1997 during the Choice FM vs. Kiss FM charity fund raising football match at Dulwich Hamlets Football Ground. Choice FM won the match 4-3 with a Golden Goal in extra time and a total of £1,200 was collected upon behalf of the charity. The ACLT manned a Mobile Registration Clinic and along with 96 people I came forward and registered as a potential Donor.

I was nearly 18 years old when I joined the register that day via the ACLT, which was established by my mum’s sister Aunty Bev and her partner Orin, initially in the hope that I would be a match for Daniel. As our search for Daniel’s donor continued, I learned more and more about the difficulties facing leukaemia sufferers within the black community who are in need of a Bone Marrow transplant. In my heart, my worries for Daniel grew strong, but I never gave up hope. Although I was not a match for Daniel, I realised the importance of remaining on the register and possibly becoming the miracle for someone else that I had so long dreamt of for Daniel. The slogan for the ACLT is “By any means necessary� and as I began to consider the meaning of this phrase and its depth, I quickly began to understand the importance of ‘give and take’, ‘share and share alike’ and ‘coming together as one’. More time passed and our miracle came. Her name is Doreene Carney and she donated Bone Marrow for Daniel in June 1999. The ups and downs continued for Daniel as they do generally for recipients post transplant, but eventually he was given the all clear and I could finally exhale, and all was quiet.

During this period I received a package from the Anthony Nolan Trust requesting a blood sample as I had been found as a ‘partial match’ for someone. I provided the sample only to be told that I was not a sufficient match. I was also told that additional information obtained would be stored on file for future matching. About 12 months later I received a larger package requesting a larger blood sample. This time the letter attached explained that I was now at the final stage of matching for a sufferer. I gasped for breath, took myself to my GP, but said nothing to family members just in case. Eight weeks later I received a letter stating that I was indeed a perfect match and requested I call to confirm willingness to proceed. I was completely overwhelmed and dazed by disbelief, still no word to the family just in case it was a mistake. The next day I called the Anthony Nolan Trust and it was confirmed. We discussed potential dates for donation and the procedures that would precede it. At this point I was in complete shock and began to pace up and down my hallway. I began to question the likelihood of such an occurrence and the message being conveyed by the powers that be. I felt invigorated and honoured to be the first in our family to give something back to our community as a way of saying thanks. I pondered on the recipient and their family and how their prayers had been answered. I telephoned Orin and Beverley and told them to sit down. They had no idea and were completely speechless when I told them.

I went through an emotional rollercoaster ranging from sheer happiness to be able to help, to anger and disappointment that the recipient had to be a sufferer in the first place. The Anthony Nolan Trust were remarkable and supported me all the way. Following a brief period of anxiety and nervousness the day came and I was ecstatic and ready to donate more than ever. The procedure went smoothly and support from family and friends was second to none. I couldn’t believe how limited the discomfort was when I returned from theatre and found myself referring to my period pains and how they hurt more. The entire experience was absolutely mind-blowing and very difficult to put into words.

Imagine, the opportunity to offer the gift of life and to lose nothing?! I’d do it again tomorrow! Hopefully, my story will get you to join the register TODAY!!

Le Moor,

There could be a possiblity that your friend may not be able to. I was diagnosed as anemic a few years ago. Although I have gotten my blood count up, my doctor said that I will always be classified as anemic and it wouldn't be wise for me to donate blood because of it. In some ways getting a bone marrow transplant is a little similar to a blood transfusion, only you're getting the stems cells transfused in you opposed to blood. To be sure you should ask a doctor or some type of cancer society to better help you answer the question.( If you were in the states, you counld call the American cancer society. I'm not sure what is the name of the British version of it)

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[align=left]Observe the huge media campaign on behalf of Daniel after he had relapsed for the 2nd time.Then follow the work of the ACLT as it helps other sufferers by raising the awareness of the need for more Black people to become potential donors.
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http://www.aclt.org/images/DanielVideo2.wmv

[align=center]I NEED SOMEONE TO SAVE MY LIFE
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My name is Yvette and I am 12 years old. Until the beginning of 2004 I was an ordinary 10 year old. I went to school, played with my friends and did most of the things that 10 year olds do. Life was great. I was looking forward to finishing primary school and going up to secondary school 1ater that year.

Then I became ill. I started getting tired - very tired. What was happening to me. My lips and gums bled sometimes and I just kept on getting tired. My mum took me to the doctor. After a blood test I was called and told to go to the hospital as soon as possible. I was admitted and had lots of tests. March 18 2004.

After a few days I was told I have Aplastic Anaemia. What is that? Well my bone marrow has stopped working properly. I was given someone else's blood and platelets because I couldn't make enough of my own.

I have been in hospital twice for treatments to try to make me better. They didn't work and I had a bad reaction and was very ill. I was so weak that I needed a wheelchair to get around. My bone marrow wasn't working properly and the doctors couldn't make me better, even though they were very nice and worked very hard. The people at the hospital looked after me really well and were very kind to me - but they couldn't make me better.

If you are thinking that I look well today then I thank you, and my mum for helping me with my makeup. I may look fine on the outside but on the inside all is far from fine. You see my bone marrow doesn't work properly and I am not getting any better. I am still getting other people's blood and platelets and so many different medicines you wouldn't believe. I go to the hospital nearly every week.

I am also neutropenic. That means that my immune system doesn't work. I can easily get an infection and because my body cannot fight it I need to go to hospital. If I do not get to hospital quickly or if I get a really bad infection I may even die. I'm not allowed to go to school any more. I can't do the things that other 11 year olds do. I missed the end of primary school and I have never been to secondary school. All of this because my bone marrow doesn't work properly.

I need new bone marrow. But that is not something I can buy at the shop - unfortunately. I actually need a bone marrow transplant. But there is another problem. I have a very rare tissue type. You could say I'm almost unique. But I wish I wasn't.

If anyone can help me to find a bone marrow that matches mine then that may help to make me better. Please help me if you can or know anyone that can.

If the medical people cannot find a match to give me a bone marrow transplant then have no hope. Please help me to have a future.

Thank you.

Those are the words of 12 year-old Yvette Gate, who has just helped launch a National Blood Service campaign aimed at saving her life and hundreds of others who come from ethnic minorities in and around Bristol.

The Bedminster youngster, whose family originates from the Gambia, was diagnosed with the condition Aplastic Anaemia in March last year, which means her Bone Marrow no longer produces enough red blood cells and platelets for circulation.

Aplastic Anaemia a life-threatening condition and the only cure is a bone marrow transplant, but there is not enough Bone Marrow or blood donated by people with her genetic background.

As a result, she faces a perilous future.

Statistics show that out of six per cent of people in Britain who give blood, more than 97 per cent of them are from white backgrounds.

The problem has inspired the National Blood Service (NBS) to start a new campaign called OneBlood, which hopes to convince people from black, Asian and other diverse communities to come forward and donate blood. The ACLT is also heavily involved in helping to shape the OneBlood campaign in order to help the National Blood Service to get more Blood and Bone Marrow donors from the Black and BME Community.

Most importantly for Yvette, it hopes to encourage those same groups to sign up to the British Bone Marrow Register (BBMR) which opererates under the domain of the National Blood Service.

Compared to the percentage of bone marrow donors from white backgrounds, the figure for smaller communities in the UK remains extremely low.

Yvette's mum Mary said: "We are so happy to be part of this campaign because no one can know more than us how important it is.

"What we have been through as a family in the last year has changed our lives forever, and it's an amazing tribute to Yvette that she is really the one that holds us all together.

"When we are down, it's her that makes us laugh, its her that picks us all up and puts us back on our feet. I can't imagine life without her. "In the main, it's a very difficult thing to talk about, but if there's any chance that by being part of this campaign we can inspire just one person to come forward, it's worth it.

"People may not know it, but everyone has it in them to save a life and for those in Yvette's position it's essential that message gets across."

Yvette, who wants to be a singer and an actor when she grows up, was due to start at secondary school at Ashton Park last September, but was not well enough and with the high risk of acquiring an infection, she has a home tutor. Yvette hasn't had the chance to meet her new class yet, but they were joining her for the launch of the new campaign today.

She said: "I don't like to talk about it really because there's nothing to say in some ways.

"I need this transplant, but at the moment they can't give me it. I just hope someone comes forwards to help me and the other people I've seen at the hospital.

"The worse bit for me is if I start bleeding because I need a transfusion. It comes out of my lips and gums and it's not very nice. I'd like it to stop, but you have to just get on with it and I'm close to my family, so we get through ok."

There are many reasons that people from ethnic communities do not give blood.

National Blood Service research shows these can range from suspicion of the health service and authorities to religious beliefs as well as general unawareness of the NBS itself.

There are also illnesses, such as sickle cell anaemia and certain leukaemia's, that are more prevalent in black and Asian communities and all of them require blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants to save those people's lives.

The problem that Yvette and her family face is even worse than it could be because in about 30 per cent of cases a sibling is an ideal blood and bone marrow match, but Yvette has extremely rare tissue and her big brother Solomon was not found to have the same.

Because of the vast numbers of tissue types, trying to find a suitable match can be very difficult. It is therefore vitally important that there is a good mix of potential donors to help find a suitable match.

Some tissue types are much more common in particular ethnic communities, meaning that a patient is more likely to be matched with a donor from a similar ethnic background.

David Chandler, communication officer for the NBS, said: "The proportion of blood donors from different ethnic groups is growing, but we still need to increase the number of ethnically diverse blood donors with a view to increasing the potential pool of bone marrow donors too.

"Yvette has a very rare tissue. Generally someone from the ethnic community is more likely to provide a match.

"There will be a better chance for her if there are more people on the register."

Mr Chandler believes there are a number of reasons why black and ethnic minorities aren't blood donors.

He said: "A lot do think it's a good thing but their level of awareness is not there.

"Also it is something that is not part of their culture.

"Our campaign focuses on more awareness particularly on the fears of becoming a blood donor.

"We are approaching influential people to work within their communities to get the message across.

"We will try to attend local events for ethnic communities to encourage them to sign up."

To become a bone marrow donor it is necessary to have given blood at least once. At this time an extra blood sample will also be taken and the details held on a database.

Further tests would then be carried out if a person appears to match someone who requires a donor.

The NBS supplies blood to 310 hospitals across England and North Wales. There are 1.9 million blood donors on the register, donating over 2.4 million pints of blood each year. However, currently only 6 pre cent of the eligible population give blood. The NBS loses 15 per cent of donors each year through retirement, relocation and ill-health so it is essential that new donors come along to their local sessions.

To become a blood donor you must be aged 17-60, weigh over 7st 11lb and be in good health.

For further information on becoming a blood donor call the National Donor Helpline on 08457 711711 or log onto http://www.blood.co.uk

To join the BBMR you must be aged between 18 and 44 and be a blood donor. You can join when you next give blood, or even at the same time as your first donation.

http://www.yvettegate.co.uk/

Uzoma URGENTLY! Needs a Bone Marrow Transplant





Uzoma Azuh from Windsor, Ontario , Canada, has been diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia (AML) He is receiving Chemotherapy, but requires a bone marrow transplant. At this point, the search for a bone marrow match has been unsuccessful. Uzoma is , however, in good spirits and remains optimistic. He has taken the year off from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, where he was in his second year of medical school.

Uzoma is currently involved in an effort to raise awareness about this Leukaemia blood disorder and the bone marrow register. His goal is to not only find a bone marrow match for himself, but to increase the number of people that are registered with the bone marrow registry. Uzoma is encouraging everyone between the ages of 18 and 43 to register so that others with blood disorders may find a match and receive a bone marrow transplant.

Please tell your family and friends about Uzoma's fight and ask them to join the bone marrow register. It is easy to get on with your life and pretend that nothing will ever happen to your family and friend's. Wouldn't it be nice to know that someone you already convinced to join the register is found to be a match for a sufferer in need.

Please email everybody on your email list and ask them to email everybody on their email list because we have to get the word out.

The statistics say if you are white British you have a 1 in 4 chance of finding matching bone marrow for transplant. If you are Black British there's a 1 in 100,000 chance. This is purely because there are not enough of us registered.

Please go register BN people if you havent already. It takes all ofa few minutes for the nurse to take your sample, it really is that simple.