The Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards, which celebrates the contribution of Anthony Nolan’s supporters which makes the blood cancer charity’s lifesaving work possible, opens for entries today (Wednesday 7 June).
The event, in its fifth year, has seen more than 150 awards presented to deserving fundraisers, families of patients, donors, clinical supporters and journalists, all of whom have supported Anthony Nolan in a number of ways.
Last year...
Last year the event was dominated by young Anthony Nolan supporters including passionate youngster Kieron Fairclough, who claimed the John Petchey Young Hero of the Year Award. Kieron was diagnosed with an extremely rare blood disorder – Diamond-Blackfan anaemia – when he was just two years old. Despite needing weekly blood transfusions, nine-year-old Kieron is perpetually happy and smiley. He wanted to raise awareness about the need for more donors, and has appeared on TV, radio and in the local papers. He even signed up 140 new donors at an event he ran alongside his mum, Ashley.
The Shirley Nolan Award for Special Recognition was presented to the family of Alice Byron. Despite being diagnosed with MDS and then leukaemia, Alice campaigned tirelessly for Anthony Nolan. She joined Cardiff Marrow to recruit donors and raise funds, and wrote an incredibly witty, honest and powerful blog about her experiences – which inspired thousands of people to join the register. Alice sadly passed away shortly after receiving a stem cell transplant, but the legacy of her writing and campaigning will have a lifesaving impact for years to come.
The ANSAS 2017
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan, said:
“Over the last year our supporters have helped us raise vital funds, made more than 1,000 trips to collect stem cells and bone marrow for patients, and spent countless hours talking to potential donors about joining the register.
“Many of these achievements simply wouldn’t be possible without our incredible supporters who inspire others with their extraordinary stories, and champion Anthony Nolan in their communities. We’re looking forward to receiving nominations on behalf of supporters which showcase their tireless dedication to Anthony Nolan, drives our charity forward, and helps us save more lives.”
Winners will be announced at a celebratory event at the House of Commons on Tuesday 28 November which will bring together patients, donors, celebrities and political supporters who have supported Anthony Nolan in a number of ways.
2017 open nominations
The Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards has two special categories; open for nominations from the public:
John Petchey Young Hero of the Year
A young Anthony Nolan supporter who has made a difference to the lives of people with blood cancer – either by personally supporting Anthony Nolan, or by inspiring others to support us. Entrants should be aged 16 or under on 1 June 2017.
The Shirley Nolan Award for Special Recognition
An individual who has made a significant contribution to Anthony Nolan, going above and beyond in their support.
2017 closed nominations
In addition, nominations in the following 13 categories will be made by Anthony Nolan staff:
Black Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) advocate of the year
This award will be presented to a supporter who has championed Anthony Nolan's work within Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities, encouraging people from within these groups to join the register and support our work.
Celebrity supporter of the year
The celebrity of the year award will be presented to somebody in the public eye who is passionate about the work of Anthony Nolan. This person will have used their profile to champion our work in public, and in private, over the past 12 months.
Clinical supporter of the year
A clinician who has been particularly supportive of and championed Anthony Nolan and our work, whether behind the scenes or publicly (as well as providing an excellent service to patients).
Donor champion of the year
The winner of this award will be a donor who has continued to support and champion the work of Anthony Nolan after their donation, either in an awareness-raising or fundraising capacity since August 2016.
This should be someone who has gone above and beyond since their donation, using their experience of donating stem cells to further inspire others to support the charity, or to dispel myths and misconceptions about the process.
Group Fundraisers of the year
This award will be presented to a supporter group that has raised funds and support for Anthony Nolan. The winner may have raised money in a particularly innovative, inspiring or impactful way or demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising awareness of the cause.
Individual Fundraiser
This award will be presented to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated passion and determination to raise funds for Anthony Nolan. The winner may not have raised the most money in the last year, but will have raised funds under difficult circumstances, or in a particularly inspiring or impactful way.
Journalist of the year
A journalist (print, broadcast or online) who has made an outstanding contribution to reporting on Anthony Nolan, blood cancers and disorders and stem cell transplants. The journalist will have raised the profile of Anthony Nolan over the past 12 months and improved awareness of our work through high quality media coverage
Organisational Fundraiser
This category will recognise a corporate organisation that has raised funds and support for Anthony Nolan. The winner may have raised money in a particularly innovative, inspiring or impactful way or demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising awareness of the cause
Patient champion of the year
This will be awarded to an individual who has championed the needs of, or has been particularly supportive of other patients during the course of the year. This person may be an active member of the Anthony Nolan patient panel, an active and supportive member of the transplant community or an advocate of patient education days.
Political supporter of the year
Awarded to an MP who has campaigned and championed the work of Anthony Nolan in Westminster and the constituency over the past 12 months.
Recruiter of the year
The person who receives this award will be a supporter who has recruited a significant number of people to the Anthony Nolan register over the previous 12 months (e.g. through press, events and/or online activity). Recognition will be given to individuals who have recruited people under difficult circumstances, or in an particularly inspiring or impactful way.
Scientific supporter of the year
The recipient of this award will be a scientific supporter who has been particularly supportive of and championed Anthony Nolan and our work, behind the scenes or publicly.
Simon Dyson Award for Volunteer of the Year
This award will be presented to an Anthony Nolan supporter, or supporters, who have displayed unwavering support for the charity through volunteering.
To be eligible for the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards nominees will have supported the charity between August 1 2016 and June 30 2017 (inclusive). The deadline for entries is 09:30 on Monday 21 August 2017.
For more information about the categories, criteria and how to nominate please visit www.anthonynolan.org/awards
You can also join the conversation on Twitter with @AnthonyNolan using the hashtag #ANSAs