Calling for more black donors

You have over 50,000 blood stem cells in your body. There’s power in those cells. A life force for you. A lifesaver for others.

Find out why we’re asking people from African, Caribbean and other black heritage to sign up to our register.

Searching for the perfect match

Often, especially after undergoing other therapies such as chemotherapy, the best treatment for a patient with blood cancer or a blood disorder is a blood stem cell transplant.

A patient is most likely to be matched with a donor from the same ethnic background; this may be someone within their own family. However, six out of ten people will need a donation from a stranger. It's so hard to find a match that your stem cells might be needed by a patient anywhere in the world. The perfect match really is that special.

Donors of African, Caribbean and other black heritage are always in high demand. There are some illnesses, such as multiple myeloma and sickle cell disease, that disproportionately affect people from these backgrounds.

How you can help

You can help by registering as a blood stem cell donor, and by sharing this page with your friends and family to raise awareness of the need for more donors from black ethnic heritage.

There may be someone in your community who needs your blood stem cells right now, to give them a second chance at life.

How the donation process works

If you are aged 17-55 and in general good health, please sign up below to join the register.

We will send you a cheek swab kit to complete and home and return to us to finish your registration.

If you are called on to donate, your stem cells will naturally replenish themselves within four weeks of your donation. There are two different ways you may be asked to donate; 90% of the time, the process is similar to blood donation.

We’re with you every step of the way

If you donate your blood stem cells, DKMS will support you at every stage, including:

• transport costs to the donation centre
• accommodation costs if an overnight stay is needed
• food and drink on your donation day
• assisting with childcare during your donation
• providing a letter to your employer if you will need time away from work.

Throughout the process, a member of our team will be there to answer any questions and check in with you on your health and well-being.

Take a look at our FAQs for more information about being a blood stem cell donor.