AL MURRAY SPOTLIGHTS LIFESAVING RESEARCH OF ANTHONY NOLAN TO MARK 30 YEARS

Stem cell charity Anthony Nolan has launched a stark new campaign titled ‘Half a Chance’, fronted by comedian Al Murray to mark the 30th anniversary of its world-leading research institute.

The initiative highlights the sobering reality that currently only around 50% of blood cancer patients survive for five years or more after a donor stem cell transplant – in which the patient’s stem cells are replaced with those from a healthy donor – and the continued need for research funding is more vital than ever.

Set in a traditional pub, the poignant visuals feature Murray sitting alongside three real-life stem cell transplant recipients. Next to them, three empty bar stools sit conspicuously vacant – a striking representation of the stark reality for those in need of a transplant.

The cause is deeply personal for Murray, whose eight-year-old nephew, Finley, tragically passed away in 2021 after two stem cell transplants, following a battle with juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia. Since then, Murray has been a dedicated advocate for stem cell transplant awareness and research funding.
Comedian and campaign supporter Al Murray said: “Having lost my nephew Finley to blood cancer, I know firsthand the devastating reality families face. Anthony Nolan’s Research Institute has made incredible strides over the past 30 years, but patients need more than half a chance. We need to continue funding vital and groundbreaking research so that every patient gets the second chance at life they deserve.”

By placing real stem cell recipients at the centre of the story, and visibly acknowledging those who are missing, Anthony Nolan aims to inspire action and underline the importance of giving every patient a better chance of survival.

Joining Murray in the campaign are three people whose lives were saved by successful donor transplants. Raj, 32 from Leicester was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer called myelofibrosis when he was just 22. Thanks to the international registry search, a matching donor was found in Germany.

Emma, 58 from Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2024 following a routine blood test. Emma underwent four months of chemo before a stem cell match was found through Anthony Nolan.

Kal, 52 from London was diagnosed with an aggressive form of myelodysplastic syndrome, just before Christmas in 2019. Luckily, her two youngest siblings were a match, and Kal went on to receive a successful stem cell transplant.

The Anthony Nolan Research Institute (ANRI) opened in 1996 dedicated to improving the lives of people in need of a stem cell transplant. Over the past fifty years the charity itself has helped facilitate over 30,100 transplants for people around the world, while its research and growth of the register have helped transform the outlook for people in need of a stem cell transplant for blood cancer or a blood disorder. Home to some of the globe’s leading stem cell transplant experts, ANRI has been pivotal in changing clinical practice to help more patients survive and thrive.

While three decades of pioneering work at ANRI have helped transform the outlook for transplant patients nationwide, the charity stresses that more research is still urgently needed to improve these odds.

Dr Robert Danby, chief medical and scientific officer at Anthony Nolan, said: “Ever since Shirley Nolan established the world’s first stem cell register, innovation has been at our core. While we’ve transformed thousands of lives over the last 30 years, only around 50% of blood cancer patients currently survive five years post-transplant, with many facing severe side effects. Continued research is the only way to change these odds and give every patient the future they deserve.”

By placing real stem cell transplant recipients alongside empty seats for those lost, the ‘Half a Chance’ campaign aims to inspire urgent action, raise vital funds to drive continued research, and push for a future where every blood cancer patient gets a second chance at life.