Gateshead East and Washington West MP Sharon Hodgson showed her support for those needing lifesaving bone marrow transplants on Tuesday 8 December by becoming a parliamentary friend of The Anthony Nolan Trust. The campaigning MP also picked up a saliva kit to see if she might be eligible to donate bone marrow in the future.

Ms Hodgson attended a reception at the House of Commons along with Education Secretary, the Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, and charity representatives including the family of campaigning leukaemia patient Adrian Sudbury. The event was hosted by Kali Mountford MP.

“This is such a crucial issue,” said Ms Hodgson. “Over 16,000 people worldwide are currently waiting for a lifesaving bone marrow transplant and I know many people here in Gateshead and Washington who have had leukaemia touch their lives.

“It is absolutely vital that we recruit as many people as possible to the bone marrow register so we can save more lives every day. I’m delighted to do what I can to support this terrific work.”

As a friend of Anthony Nolan, Ms Hodgson will help to raise awareness about bone marrow donation in parliament and in the wider public.

Henny Braund, chief executive of The Anthony Nolan Trust added: “There are many myths about bone marrow donation and so it’s really important that we raise awareness so people can make their own decisions, and potentially save someone’s life.

“Most donations today take place via a fairly simple process similar to giving blood. It’s really easy to join the register and we desperately need more people aged 18-40, especially those from diverse ethnic backgrounds. You can find out more at www.anthonynolan.org.uk ”