‘The blood taken from the placenta and umbilical cord of a child at birth is an amazing sourc Lord Winston
e of stem cells. They are valuable in the treatment of patients with diseases like leukaemia by creating healthy, new bone marrow and there is the potential for a host of other applications, some as yet undreamed of.

In the UK The Anthony Nolan Trust has pioneered the use of cord blood for bone marrow transplants, supplementing its register of live donors. But so far all these cords have been imported. Soon, through The Anthony Nolan Trust, British women will be able make a donation of cord blood.

I truly applaud this new initiative. Coming at a time when we can be assured of collecting and preserving cord blood of the highest quality, this new Cord Blood Programme has the potential to save many lives by increasing the number of potential tissue matches. The Anthony Nolan Trust also has the expertise to make the most of this national resource through leading edge research and the development of new transplant techniques.

I not only wish this venture every success but believe that through this new initiative The Anthony Nolan Trust will, more than ever, be able to meet its lifesaving mission. I urge you to give your support.’

Professor The Lord Winston

Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies, Imperial College

Presenter of the BBC’s Child of our Time