Cancer toddler family's campaign to raise awareness

One year after she was diagnosed with leukaemia, the family of Margot Martini have announced the launch of the 'Team Margot Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Awareness Day.'

Margot, from Staffordshire, was diagnosed with both Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) last October and has previously undergone a bone marrow transplant.

The day is designed to promote awareness around the need for more potential stem cell donors to join the UK and worldwide registries.

It will give particular encouragement to those with mixed race to register, as this is a stem bank that is under-represented.

There are 37,000 people worldwide seeking a stem cell match and only 60% of transplant recipients currently find a perfect donor.

Margot's father, Yaser Martini, said: "Team Margot is committed to raising global awareness around the need for more stem cell donor recruits, hence the launch of this annual international awareness day to help promote greater understanding and to encourage more people to register as potential stem cell / bone marrow donors."

Margot's mother, Vicki added: "You can save a life. And even if you don't, you can still gift someone more time with their family and loved ones.

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