Echo News Youth team players at Southend United sign up as superhero stem cell donors

[Evening Echo]

Southend United’s youth team players have signed up as superhero stem cell donors as part of a new partnership

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[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Alex Reeves (DKMS young people's ambassador) and Richard Lloyd (DKMS' Herts & Essex volunteer). (Image: DKMS)
By Joe Benham. Reporter.

Southend United’s youth team players have signed up as superhero stem cell donors as part of a new partnership.
Along with Southend United Community Foundation sports college students, youth players yesterday completed the quick and easy process at an awareness-raising event held at Roots Hall stadium.
The event saw the launch of a new partnership between the Blues and blood cancer charity DKMS, as part of an awareness event at Roots Hall stadium.

DKMS staff member Annabel Jones and DKMS young people’s ambassador Alex Reeves. (Image: DKMS)
It is hoped the partnership will encourage supporters and the community to register as stem cell donors.

The initiative was inspired by lifelong Shrimpers fan Richard Lloyd, 47, from Leigh, who recently donated stem cells to a stranger in need.

Mr Lloyd said: “What an incredible feeling knowing you have the power to save a life.

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

“I also wanted to inspire others to make informed decisions about becoming potential donors, which is why I reached out to my local team Southend United, who I have supported since my dad first took me down to Roots Hall in the 1985-86 season.”

Dale Spiby, Chief Executive of Southend United Community Foundation. (Image: DKMS)
There are around 2,000 people in the UK in need of a stem cell transplant at any given time.

At the event, DKMS young people’s ambassador Alex Reeves, a recent stem cell donor, explained the simple registration process involving three mouth swabs and some health questions.

He also described the donation process, which in nine out of ten cases is a simple outpatient procedure similar to donating blood platelets.

This initiative, in partnership with blood cancer charity DKMS, was part of an awareness event at Roots Hall stadium. (Image: DKMS)Dale Spiby, chief executive of Southend United Community Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with DKMS and support such an important cause.

“It’s inspiring to see our youth team players and sports college students step up to make a difference.

“This initiative not only helps raise awareness about the life-saving potential of stem cell donation but also brings our community closer together.

“We hope this encourages even more people to join the stem cell register and give the gift of life.”

Anyone aged 17 to 55 in good health can register to receive a mouth swab kit online at the DKMS website.