A student from Nottingham is to be honoured for his work to support a blood cancer charity.
Jesse Lewendon, 21 has been shortlisted for the Simon Dyson Volunteer of the Year Award at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2019.
The prestigious awards are back for their seventh year recognising the outstanding achievements of the volunteers, fundraisers, and campaigners who help the charity save lives.
Jesse’s nomination acknowledges his incredible work as president of Nottingham Marrow, a society at the University of Nottingham (UoN).
After becoming president of the group in his second year studying biochemistry, Jesse lead the group to achieve its most successful year to date.
UoN is one of more than 50 universities with a ‘Marrow’ society, the name given to blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan’s network of student volunteer groups.
Jesse, of Ilkeston, has played a pivotal role in recruiting almost 1,500 potentially life-saving stem cell donors to the charity’s register between 2018/19 - up from 400 the year before.
He also hosted the 20 Anniversary Marrow Conference and raised nearly £3,000 through a variety of events.
Jesse has trained new volunteers, galvanised a range of supporters, including Nottingham City Council, and been a powerful representative of Anthony Nolan.
He spoke in two BBC television interviews which aired across the East Midlands.
Jesse has been instrumental in spreading awareness of the need for more stem cell donors on the register, across both the university and city.
Since graduating earlier this year, he is now undertaking an internship at the charity.
On his nomination, Jesse said: “It is very exciting and overwhelming- I didn’t expect it.
“Getting involved in Marrow made me see how you can have such a big impact on people’s lives and actually make a difference.
"I was so unaware before I didn't have a clue about bone marrow or the charity, but I learnt more as I got involved.
"Actually signing people up for the first time was a surreal experience. It feels really profound."
Jesse said one of his highlights was being involved in the campaign for Nottingham girl, Lilya, who needed a stem cell match.
He said: "A very special moment was when her family got in touch with me and asked if I wanted to meet her.
"She sadly passed away before I got the chance to, but it had a huge impact on me and made me want to keep going.
"It broke my heart to hear her say that even if she didn't survive, hopefully she could help save others. And now her legacy lives on."
Henny Braund, chief executive of Anthony Nolan said: “It is remarkable to see how many people support our work to find a match for those in need of a stem cell transplant. Without them, none of our life-saving work would be possible.
“Jesse has shown tremendous commitment to Anthony Nolan by continuously going above and beyond for the charity.
"He not only led Nottingham Marrow to huge successes but has remained a committed supporter since he graduated.
“We want to extend a huge congratulations to Jesse and look forward to celebrating with him at the awards”.
The awards take place on Thursday 28 November at the Tower of London, and all winners will be revealed on the night.
Anthony Nolan is the charity that finds matching stem cell donors for people with blood cancer and blood disorders and gives them a second chance at life.
It also carries out ground-breaking research to save more lives and provide information and support to patients after a stem cell transplant, through its clinical nurse specialists and psychologists, who help guide patients through their recovery.
www.anthonynolan.org/nottinghammarrow
