LFC campaign helps recruit donors
Brad Jones joined forces with a group of Liverpool Academy youngsters and Reds supporters to help fight blood cancer on Monday evening.
In partnership with the Anthony Nolan Charity, Anfield played host to a unique event which encouraged people to come forward as potential life-saving donors.
Hundreds of volunteers turned out to give a saliva sample and join the bone marrow register.
The scheme has been given full backing by Liverpool players and staff in recent weeks with Brendan Rodgers, Luis Suarez and Lucas Leiva among those who have pledged their support.
Jones and his partner Dani Lawrence were on hand to help oversee the event after the goalkeeper tragically lost his son Luca to Leukaemia in November 2011.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "For those who are in need, the situation is bad enough, but to not be able to find a donor makes things even worse.
"We've been through that process and seen how difficult it is. We were very fortunate that Luca found a donor but unfortunately his wasn't a success.
"The more donors we can find, the more chance that others have of going on to live a longer and healthier life."
The Liverpool FC Foundation fully supported the event and provided their Youth Ambassadors to volunteer and help out.
The Foundation also showcased their nationally-recognised Men's Health programme through a series of presentations given during the course of the event.
Mark Haig, the Liverpool FC Foundation's head of operations: "Our Foundation is dedicated to improving people's lives through the power of the Liverpool badge. Cancer is a major public health issue on Merseyside.
"Working closely with Liverpool NHS and Cancer Research UK, the Liverpool FC Foundation promotes cancer awareness and healthier lifestyles as part of all its programmes.
"We would like to thank everyone who came down to Anfield to sign up to the register and help make a difference in combating cancer."
Liverpool U21 players and coach Alex Inglethorpe also attended the event and were given a presentation by representatives of the charity before signing on the register.
Anthony Nolan stressed on the day that they are looking for men aged 16-30 years old to sign up.
The charity has nearly 470,000 people on the register but can still only provide a suitable donor to around half of the people in need.
If you would like to join, you can sign up online at www.anthonynolan.org/spit.
