A north MSP and a local councillor are campaigning to recruit more potential bone marrow donors to help save a young Sutherland woman with a rare blood disorder.
Michaela Ballantyne, 25, of Brora, was diagnosed with Myelodysplasia at the start of August after spending six weeks in isolation at Raigmore Hospital.
The condition affects the production of bone marrow and is usually found in men aged 65 and over.
Rhoda Grant MSP and councillor Deirdre Mackay are now appealing for anyone aged between 16 and 30 to come and join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow donor register at upcoming clinics.
Potential donors will be asked to simply spit into a test tube so that doctors can find a match.
In recent weeks a number of events have been organised to raise awareness of the nurse’s situation.
The next one will take place today from 4pm-8.30pm at Brora Primary School, with another taking place in Inverness next Tuesday from 2pm-5.30pm at the Eastgate Centre, moving to Little Italy in the city’s Stephen’s Brae, from 5.30pm-7.30pm.
Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential bone marrow donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.
Young men are specifically being encouraged to register as they are most likely to be chosen to donate.
Doctors have told Miss Ballantyne that a bone marrow transplant is her best chance of survival.
Mrs Grant said: “I am a long-term supporter of blood donation and organ donation initiatives and I am pleased to support the Anthony Nolan cause. More than that, I am honoured to support Michaela Ballantyne and her family in their search for a donor. To potential donors, I would say, what better gift can you give than the gift of life. I would encourage everyone between the ages of 16-30 to consider signing up to help Michaela and others in a similar situation.”
Councillor Mackay said: “The situation affecting this family in a small community such as ours really drives home the desperate need for more donors. Seven out of 10 patients depend on finding an unrelated donor who has compatible tissue. It’s simple, the more donors the greater the chance.
“Due to the illness of a close friend some years ago, I became a supporter of the Anthony Nolan scheme and was on the register for as long as I could be. The process now is so very easy and I would appeal for people to come along to the events and help increase the chances for Michaela.”