A BASINGSTOKE volunteer who transports stem cells for UK patients from donors in the UK and Europe has won a very special award.

Stuart Shurlock has won Everyday Hero Award at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards (ANSAs) 2023 for working as a volunteer courier transporting stem cells for UK patients from donors in the UK and Europe.

Anthony Nolan is a charity that makes lifesaving connections between patients in need and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells.

Stuart has been a highly committed volunteer courier since 2009. As a stem cell recipient himself, Stuart understands the magnitude of his volunteering role, and exactly what it means to the patient to see their donor’s cells arriving safely.

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In addition to his courier trips, behind the scenes, Stuart devotes a huge amount of time and effort to updating and maintaining the courier files in every city and collection centre around the world. The information that Stuart diligently curates, with input from other couriers, ensures that when embarking on a trip to a new destination, the courier is armed with all the information they need to have a smooth and well-planned journey

Stuart said: “I am very happy to be the winner of such a prestigious award. As a stem cell recipient, myself, I understand how amazing the Anthony Nolan charity truly is and I am delighted my work as a volunteer has helped so much.”

The Everyday Hero Award is presented to a volunteer who helps keep Anthony Nolan running, day-to-day. An unpaid, unsung hero who gets involved with the smaller daily tasks that don’t always get the publicity and recognition of our bigger volunteering opportunities. Entrants must have helped Anthony Nolan in an unpaid capacity.

The award winners were announced on Wednesday, June 14 at the Tower of London. Stuart joined guests including celebrities Kellie Shirley and Dr Alex George who were celebrated for using their platforms to raise awareness of the charity’s work.

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The ANSAs, Anthony Nolan’s annual awards ceremony, has been taking place since 2013, and this was the first in-person awards since going virtual for the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2019 due to the pandemic.

Henny Braund, chief executive of Anthony Nolan, said: "Stuart is a hugely deserving winner of this award; his incredible support and passion for our work is a fantastic example of our charity, which is built on making lifesaving connections. It was lovely to meet Stuart and I continue to find myself inspired and humbled by the dedication and strength of supporters like him.

“By raising vital funds and much-needed awareness, we are curing blood cancer together. We can give families hope and give more people a future”.

For more information visit anthonynolan.org/awards.