Harper Marrow Society has found a match!

Dan Jervis, a food science student at Harper Adams, has become a stem cell donor to give someone a second chance.

Harper Marrow Society has linked together with Anthony Nolan to recruit bone marrow and stem cell donors.

Around 2,000 people in the UK need a bone marrow or stem cell transplant every year. However, 75% of UK patients are unable to be a match with family members. 

Anthony Nolan Trust is an organisation for people who desperately need lifesaving transplants, who are matched with individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow.

Harper Marrow Society organised their first event on the March 17, at which 170 students signed themselves onto the Anthony Nolan register: a huge 7.8% of the entire university population in one day.

Dan’s decision to sign up to Harper Marrow and the Anthony Nolan register has led to a match, helping to save someone’s life and give them a second chance.

The student society was delighted to be able to share the news on Facebook, writing: “Harper has a match! Harper Adams Marrow Society is pleased and excited to announce that there has been a match found for a Marrow donation with one of their own students, Dan Jervis.”

Dan’s cell retrieval began on Monday, taking two days to complete.

His mum, Tracey, wrote on social media that she was “unashamedly proud” adding: “Though boring, he says it doesn’t hurt. And he gets to sit in a relaxed reclined position for four to five hours a day, over the next two days.”

If you would like to help by becoming a donor then contact Harper Marrow Society or Anthony Nolan Trust to register. All it takes is a form and spit. Give the gift of life.

#secondchance