Anthony Nolan is a pioneering UK charity dedicated to saving the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders through stem cell transplants. It was founded in 1974 by Shirley Nolan in memory of her son Anthony, who was born with a rare condition called Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Unable to find a suitable bone marrow donor for Anthony, Shirley launched the world’s first stem cell register to help others in similar need. Since then, Anthony Nolan has facilitated over 22,000 lifesaving transplants, driven vital research, and expanded its donor base to over 900,000 people.
Today, the charity continues its mission to save lives through innovation, advocacy, and international collaboration.
RTBI President’s Charity of the Year 2024–2025
In 2024–2025, Round Table Great Britain and Ireland (RTBI) embarked on a meaningful partnership with Anthony Nolan, a charity dedicated to saving lives through stem cell transplants. This collaboration, chosen by RTBI’s National President, Steve Eccles, aimed to raise awareness, funds, and recruit new stem cell donors to support Anthony Nolan’s mission of connecting patients with potentially lifesaving donors.
The year began with a remarkable fundraising effort, as Tablers took part in the “2km a Day in June” challenge. A dedicated group of participants, including Steve Eccles, James Edwards, Tom Frost, and many others, collectively ran, cycled, walked, and even paddleboarded a total of 3,692 kilometers. This impressive feat raised £5,997, which could recruit 149 new potential donors, fund 206 hours of specialist nursing support, or provide crucial education days for patients and families affected by stem cell transplants. A special mention went to Elsie Elliot, who raised an outstanding £1,960 and completed 60 kilometers herself.
While fundraising was a central focus, the partnership also emphasized the importance of growing the stem cell register. Anthony Nolan’s ongoing campaign to recruit more young men, particularly those under 30, took center stage. The charity aims to increase the register by 100,000, as younger donors provide higher success rates for stem cell transplants. RTBI members were encouraged to not only raise funds but to sign up as donors themselves and spread awareness about the cause.
Throughout the year, RTBI and Anthony Nolan worked closely together, offering support and resources for fundraising events. Whether it was local initiatives like bonfire nights and beer festivals or more personal challenges like 10K runs or overseas treks, the partnership allowed Tablers to contribute in various ways. The RTBI network also helped recruit potential lifesavers by promoting the stem cell register and hosting events to engage young people, such as talks in schools and sports clubs.
This collaboration was not just about raising money; it was about making a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by blood cancers and disorders. The 2024–2025 partnership between Round Table Great Britain and Ireland and Anthony Nolan successfully combined the passion of Tablers with the charity’s life-saving mission, creating a powerful community working together to save lives and keep families together.
Compiled by David Stringer, President, Broadstairs 41 Club
(aka ‘BETA’, Broadstairs Ex-Tablers Association)