Sawbridgeworth Councillors Hear Powerful Message from DKMS on Saving Lives
On Monday, 27 October, three representatives from the international blood cancer charity DKMS visited Sawbridgeworth Town Council to raise awareness about the urgent need for stem cell donors.
The presentation was led by Lesley Calder, Hub Lead for the DKMS Herts and Essex Volunteer Hub, along with Katy and Mark, who shared powerful stories from transplant recipients and donors. These accounts illustrated how a simple act—swabbing cheeks—can potentially offer someone a second chance at life.
In a symbolic gesture of support, Mayor Cllr Salvatore Pagdades stepped forward to provide three swabs, adding his details to the DKMS database in the hope of one day being a match for someone in need.
“It’s incredible to think that something as simple as a cheek swab could lead to saving a life,” said Mayor Cllr Salvatore Pagdades. “I would encourage everyone eligible in our community to take this small step. You could be the match that gives someone a future.”
The DKMS team explained that thousands of people in the UK require stem cell transplants each year. 70% have no family match, their survival left to the kindness of a stranger yet only a small percentage of eligible individuals are registered. Joining the register is quick and free: simply visit www.dkms.org.uk, request a cheek swab kit, follow the instructions, and return it by post. Your details will then be added to the international database, ready to help someone in need.
Every swab could be the start of saving a life. For more information, visit www.dkms.org.uk.
