Pillar two

Join the registers

Signing up as a stem cell or organ donor costs nothing and takes minutes — but you could one day be the match that saves the life of someone with blood cancer, or give several people a second chance in a single moment of generosity.

Stem cells — DKMS UK

Joining the DKMS register means you could be the match for someone with blood cancer or a blood disorder. You’re literally offering someone a second chance at life.

It’s free. It’s painless. It’s potentially life-saving. Request a swab kit, do the cheek swab at home, post it back — under five minutes of effort.

Successful matches rely on a broad pool of donors. If you’re from an ethnic minority background, joining is especially valuable — finding a suitable match is even harder for these groups.

Save50 illustration — sign up to be a potential stem cell donor with DKMS

Organs — NHS Organ Donor Register

Over 44,000 lives have been saved by organ donation in the UK — yet around 8,000 people are still waiting for a transplant, and thousands have died waiting over the past decade.

Whatever your decision, confirming it on the register — and telling your family — is what makes it count.

Save50 illustration — a child receiving a transfusion, cared for by a nurse
“Found myself in A&E this week — it wasn’t planned. But you can prepare to better support an emergency. I imagined being a parent to someone in need of donation, and figured I could spare an hour every three months to help them and to support the NHS.” — Rich, Save50