Stem cell donor urges others to join register

A Jersey stem cell donor has called for more people in the island to register for donations.

Molly Morin signed up six years ago after a family friend was diagnosed with blood cancer.

The 28-year-old was called up in April after a match was found for her and she travelled to the UK for the donation last month.

Ms Morin has shared her experience on social media to encourage more islanders to do something similar.

She said the medical staff at the donation centre made her feel comfortable and she would definitely donate again.

“I didn't even look when they were putting in the needles,” she said.

Ms Morin added: “Someone commented on my post saying they didn’t know you could donate while living in Jersey but all the travel and everything can be arranged and, if you're needed, then they want you.”

She was in hospital for five hours while the donation took place but said she spent the time watching the reality TV show Made in Chelsea.

People in Jersey can sign up to be stem cell donors through the charities – DKMS or Anthony Nolan.

DKMS estimates around 120,000 people in the UK are affected by blood cancer, and every 20 minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease.

Meanwhile Anthony Nolan says on its website that 2,300 patients start their search for a matching stem cell donor each year.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.