Farewell event

At the English Blood Authority’s Colindale headquarters on 7 June around 60 guests said “Farewell to the BBMDA”.  Malcolm Thomas and John Humphries, the two founding trustees gave an emotional tribute to all who had contributed to the work of the charity and highlighted its many successes.

The trustees decided in closing the charity that the remaining funds of £1m should be donated to the English Blood Service, Welsh Blood Service and NI Blood Transfusion Service with a stipulation that the money must be used to continue the primary work of the BBMDA in facilitating the development, maintenance and efficient usage of the British Bone Marrow Donor Registry.  The donations will be used, therefore, in improving the infrastructure for searching and accessing the Registry by clinicians, registry managers and patients.

Brian May, the BBMDA's patron, spoke warmly of all the BBMDA had achieved and then presented cheques to representatives of the blood authorities.

Brian May & trustees - left to right – John Humphries, Caroline Compton, Brian May, Judith Hurford, Malcolm Thomas, John Morgan

Brian May presenting cheques to:

Professor Contreras of National Blood Service

Martin McGregor of the Welsh Blood Service

Dr McClelland of NI Blood Transfusion Service