At Sefton Support Group, we’re always eager to support incredible local initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives. One such group is StemCell Scousers, a small but mighty organisation in Formby that partners with the Anthony Nolan Stem Cell Donor Register Charity and the NHS Blood Transfusion Service. Their mission? To raise awareness about the urgent need for more stem cell donors, blood donors, and platelet donors—because these life-saving donations can be the difference between survival and loss.
A Life-Saving Mission Born from Personal Experience
StemCell Scousers was founded in 2015 by Kevin Dunne, after his wife, Mary, was diagnosed with aggressive leukaemia. The Anthony Nolan charity found a life-saving stem cell donor for Mary, providing her with the only chance of survival—a transplant. However, before she could receive her transplant, Mary needed multiple blood transfusions to keep her alive.
Since then, Kevin and Mary have dedicated themselves to spreading awareness about the worldwide shortage of stem cell donors and the urgent need for more blood and platelet donors. Their work has already had an incredible impact, but the need remains great.
Incredible Achievements & Impact
StemCell Scousers have made a huge difference in the community and beyond:
- £54,000 donated to Anthony Nolan, with an additional £5,240 contributed in 2023
- 1,473 potential donors added to the Anthony Nolan register
- 496 additional donors registered with DKMS, bringing their total new donors recruited to 1,933
Their dedication continues to help individuals fighting blood cancer and other life-threatening conditions by increasing the number of potential donors available for those in need.
Upcoming Event: Easter Raffle at The Pinewoods Pub
StemCell Scousers are always looking for new ways to fundraise and recruit more donors, and their next event is not to be missed!
- Date: Tuesday, 15th April
- Location: The Pinewoods Pub, Formby
- Entertainment: Live music from Formby UKE 3A, starting at 7 PM
Prizes Up for Grabs
- Easter Hamper (including a £30 Pinewoods voucher)
- A signed Trent Alexander-Arnold shirt
- Gift cards, discount vouchers, and much more
Raffle tickets cost £3 per strip – to purchase in advance, email kevindunne2@icloud.com.
How You Can Get Involved
StemCell Scousers is looking for more volunteers to support their work at local events, including fundraisers at supermarkets and pubs across Sefton. Whether you can help recruit donors, sell raffle tickets, or simply spread the word, your support could help save lives.
If you’d like to get involved or learn more about registering as a donor, reach out to Kevin Dunne at kevindunne2@icloud.com.
Together, We Can Defeat Blood Cancer
Kevin and Mary extend a heartfelt thank you to the generous Formby businesses and residents who have supported their efforts. Thanks to this incredible community, they have raised an astonishing £84,000 for charity—and they’re not stopping there!
By spreading awareness, recruiting donors, and fundraising, we can all play a part in saving lives. Whether it’s signing up as a stem cell donor, giving blood, or attending a fundraising event, every action counts.
Want to help? Get in touch today!
- Email: kevindunne2@icloud.com
- Learn more about Anthony Nolan: www.anthonynolan.org
- Find out how to donate blood: www.blood.co.uk
Together, we can make a difference.
