The Jersey Friends group supports the work of Anthony Nolan, a UK charity with a register that matches potential donors to patients with blood cancers or blood disorders.
A number of initiatives and events are being held in celebration of the group’s 30th anniversary this year.
These include several donor recruitment events, one of which recently took place at the Jersey Rugby Club – the first to be held since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The group hopes to encourage more people to sign up to the stem cell register, while continuing fundraising efforts and raising awareness.
Pictured: A donor recruitment event recently took place at the Jersey Rugby Club.
Ms Baigent said: “Our main focus has always been to get as many people onto the register as possible.
“We had a quieter period during Covid and we are really starting to get going again.
“It’s important, as there are people waiting for a match at this very moment.
“It could be the difference between life and death for someone who needs a transplant.”
Chair of the volunteer group Tim Hicklin – who survived illness thanks to a stem cell donation – said: “I am proud to be associated with such a hardworking and dedicated group of people.
“Despite the pandemic, changes in peoples’ lifestyles and financial pressures on households, the Jersey Friends have worked tirelessly to maintain our programme of events to both raise awareness of and raise money for the lifesaving work of Anthony Nolan.”
He added: “Our thanks also go to the people of Jersey, not only for their incredible support of our fundraising activities but also their amazing engagement with our recruitment events over the years, in coming forward to register as potential stem cell donors.
“Quite a number of islanders have gone on to donate cells and actually save patients’ lives, which is remarkable.”