Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson, is urging her fellow MPs to find out if they could save a life, by hosting a donor recruitment event with charity Anthony Nolan. Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancer by matching them to people willing to donate their blood stem cells to those who need a lifesaving transplant.

Bridget, who herself has registered as a potential donor, has invited Anthony Nolan representatives to Westminster on Tuesday 8 March.

Ms Phillipson said: “I registered as a potential donor when my cousin was diagnosed with a blood condition that meant she needed a transplant to save her life. I wasn’t the match, but she did receive a transplant from another family member. If I could be a match for someone else who needs a transplant, I’d jump at the chance to give that person the same hope someone gave my family.”

“I’m urging my fellow MPs, their staff and my constituents to find out more about joining Anthony Nolan’s register, to see if they could save a life.”

Henny Braund, chief executive of Anthony Nolan, said: “Signing up is easy and so important – each donor is vital in helping us to save lives. There are many myths surrounding bone marrow donation, so we really appreciate Ms Phillipson’s commitment to raising awareness among her constituents and in Parliament.”

To join the register, you must be aged between 18 and 40, weigh over 8 stone (51 kg) and be in general good health. Anthony Nolan asks for some medical information and a saliva sample. Young men are particularly encouraged to join as they are most likely to become donors.

To find out more, or to register as a potential donor, visitwww.anthonynolan.orgor call0303 303 0303.