Be Rafiya's Lifesaver in Preston

Rafiya from Preston has been diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. Doctors have told her that a stem cell transplant is now her best hope.

Her life depends on an unrelated stem cell donor!

For Rafiya, who is of Indian heritage, finding a match is even harder because matching is heavily correlated with ethnicity. Yet, only 16% of the UK stem cell register is made up of people of UK minority ethnic heritage.

"Finding out about the register was a relief for me. Knowing there is an easy, practical way people can help has given me a sense of purpose during treatment."

How you can help

Get down to Catherine Beckett Community Centre in Preston on 16 August 2026 to join the stem cell register and potentially give Rafiyah a second chance at life.

If you are aged between 16-55 and in general good health, you can join the register - a few minutes of your time could give Rafiya or someone else with blood cancer, a second chance at life.