The British Bone Marrow Donor Appeal (BBMDA) was founded in 1987 to support the development of a computerised Registry of HLA (ABCDR) tissue-types of potential bone marrow donors for persons suffering from leukaemia and other bone marrow related diseases. Over the past eighteen years we have provided more than £4 million to the registries in England and Wales thanks to your generous support. Today, these registries are internationally regarded as among the most proficient in the world.

The British Bone Marrow Donor Appeal has finally achieved its goal that the Government, and not the Charity, should be responsible for funding the recruitment and testing of bone marrow donors for the registries.

Having fulfilled its objectives, the trustees decided to close the charity and distribute the remainder of its funds between the Blood Services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who are responsible for carrying out the recruitment and testing of blood donors for bone marrow matching.

In June 2005 the trustees held a “Farewell to the BBMDA” event and among the specially invited audience of donors and recipients were many supporters who have tragically lost loved ones to leukaemia and bone marrow related diseases.  Brian May, Patron of the charity, presented cheques totalling £1 million to the three blood authorities.

The BBMDA will formally close this year and all further requests for information on bone marrow donations should be made to the respective UK blood authorities.

The trustees would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the charity’s wonderful supporters who have helped the BBMDA to achieve its aims.  More than 2,000 people have found bone marrow donors on the English and Welsh registries and so many have been given a new lease of life as a result.  We cannot thank everyone individually but always remember that you’ve helped to save a life.

Thank you.

Find out more pages...

Why do we need bone marrow donors?

What is the role of the BBMDA?

How are the registers of donors compiled?

How can I help?

Farewell event