Generation Lifesaver – Annual Schools’ Swab week

Your students can make a lifesaving difference!

19/11/2025

Generation Lifesaver is a national initiative giving students in Years 12 and 13 the chance to register as potential stem cell donors to help save the lives of people living with blood cancer and blood disorders.

Our annual Schools’ Swab Week is when schools across the country come together and give their students the chance to become lifesavers, this is your school’s opportunity to inspire your students to take action and make a real, lifesaving difference.

When it’s happening

Throughout February and March 2026.

How it works

Getting involved is simple, and the DKMS team will be with you every step of the way. Here’s what participating in the DKMS Schools Project includes:

An introduction to stem cell donation:

After the assembly, the students will receive a PDF leaflet, reminding them of what is involved in becoming a stem cell donor, along with the details of when they will be able to swab in their school.
We’ll also provide with an email to parents, so your school can easily share details about the registration event.

Useful resources:

Registration event:

We would also agree a time for swabbing with you where a team of trained volunteers will run the swabbing session for students in Years 12 and 13 who choose to register.
Everyone involved will receive full training and support from DKMS.

We will bring all the materials required — and there’s no cost to the school.
The registration process is quick and easy: students complete an online form on their phone, swab their cheeks, and that’s it!
In just a few minutes, students can join the stem cell register - and take the first step toward saving someone’s life.
This event also gives your school press and media opportunities. Our PR & Media team will be happy to support.

Young boys around a table with their uniform

300 potential lifesaver recruited at Limavady Grammar School, Northern Ireland

Limavady Grammar School recently partnered with DKMS to host a donor registration event, adding over 300 new lifesavers to the stem cell register over two days

Killian Brolly, Head Boy, Limavady Grammar School

“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to become a lifesaver; I have seen first-hand how a stem cell transplant can save a life as my friend, Ben, donated his stem cells to his younger brother which ultimately saved his life. “It was also a great feeling to see how our school came together to support the cause. The swab kit itself was very simple and easy to complete, nobody had any difficulties completing it. I think it is a great movement that everyone eligible should consider being a part of.”

Mrs Moore, Head of Physical Education Department, Limavady Grammar School

“Partnering with DKMS was an incredibly rewarding experience for our school. The process was simple, the support from the DKMS team was outstanding, and the enthusiasm from our pupils was inspiring. Over 300 teachers, pupils and members of our local community signed up on the day. As a parent whose child’s life was saved by a transplant, I know just how vital stem cell donations are - and I’m so proud our students are helping to give others that same chance.”

Join us

If your school would like to take part in this lifesaving initiative, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.
Together, we can inspire the next generation of lifesavers.

Get Involved