By Muhsin Cabdi
Following the stem cell drive that took place recently at De Montfort University, a DMU student has spoken about his own past experiences with such events.
Derry Keary, a second year joint honours journalism and media student, was reminded by the recent stem cell drive of how he joined the register of potential donors run by the Anthony Nolan charity.
The drive, which was organised by #DMUlocal, the De Montfort Students’ Union and the Rik Basra Leukaemia
- Pictured above: Derry Keary
Campaign, aimed to convince De Montfort University Students to register to become stem cell donors for leukaemia patients.
The disease is a cancerous one which starts off in the bone marrow or other blood-forming tissue, creating damaged.
When Derry heard of the stem cell drive taking place at De Montfort University, he was happy to hear that many vulnerable people suffering from leukaemia would get the help they needed.
Recounting his previous experience with donating stem cells, Derry said: “My family member was 29.
“He was diagnosed a year ago.”
He added: “I was happy, there’s a lot of vulnerable people that need help and it was really pleasing knowing that even if there was a small number of students who donated then there’s more chance in finding a match for someone.”
Derry Keary agreed to join the register to be tested to see if he was a match for his relative in Northampton, at a drive arranged for the relative’s family members and friends by the Anthony Nolan charity.
The drive was successful because a suitable match was found for his relative amidst the donors.
He said: “It was a super easy process, you sign up and spit in a tube and it’s done.
“You must be under the age of 30 and be in good health.
“I’d say that if you’re interested in helping to save someone’s life, you look on the website to see if you qualify.”
Any students interested in registering to be a donor can apply on https://www.anthonynolan.org
