We are asking people to step forward this Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September by taking 122,314 steps ‘In their Shoes’ to create awareness of the issues surrounding stem cell donation in minority ethnic groups, as well as raising funds for Race Against Blood Cancer so that we can continue our vital work.
Why am I being asked to do 122,314 steps?
There are currently 122,314 potential donors from a minority ethnic group on the UK register, making up a mere 15% of the total number of donors available. Currently only 1 in 5 blood cancer patients from a Black, Asian, mixed-heritage or minority ethnic background will find a matching stem cell donor to give them a second chance at life.
How long does the challenge last for? Is there a daily step commitment?
You have the whole month of September to complete the challenge. As long as the total number of steps ‘In their Shoes’ are reached within that time, it doesn’t matter how you split them. You can run, walk, hop or dance – it’s totally up to you how you take them.
Why September?
Blood Cancer Awareness Month is an international focus to raise awareness of blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Charities and health organisations across the globe use this time to raise awareness of the symptoms of disease, issues affecting patients and potential treatments available. We are using this time to raise awareness of the lack of ethnic diversity on the UK stem cell register; just 20% of patients from BAME backgrounds find a best match donor, while 69% of those from white, northern European backgrounds do.
How do I get involved?
Contact the team, either through social media messaging or by emailing us
How do I set up a sponsorship page?
There are two ways you can do this:
- Set up a facebook fundraiser – On our facebook page, click on Fundraisers in the top menu, then ‘Create a Fundraiser’. It’s as simple as that!
- Create a Virgin Money Giving page – visit www.virginmoneygiving.com and click on ‘Start fundraising’. The site will talk you through the process.
If you have any queries about setting up your page, please contact us. Don’t forget to remind sponsors of the importance of gift-aiding their donation should they be eligible.
What’s in it for me?
Apart from the incredible awareness raising work that you’ll undertake just by doing your challenge, we will provide all registered participants with one of our ever-so-fancy ‘In their Shoes’ t shirts upon completion of the virtual event.
How do I join the donor register?
You’ll find information on how you can do this here
Any questions?
Email us here
