Don't believe the myth: TV doctor Christian Jessen calls for gay men to donate stem cells at Manchester Pride

By Dean Wilkins

Esteemed TV doctor Christian Jessen is crushing the myth that gay men cannot donate stem cells ahead of Manchester Pride festival.

Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies presenter is joining forces with the Anthony Nolan charity to encourage donators when the festival arrives in August.

There has been an overwhelming attitude in the past that homosexual could not join the register but the charity are hoping to make it clear and safe for all to sign up.

Jessen said: "There are many myths surrounding stem cell donation, but one of the most common is that gay men can't join the Anthony Nolan register.

"This isn't true. Anthony Nolan welcomes everyone regardless of their sexuality, so I think it's fantastic that Anthony Nolan is tackling this head-on and targeting the gay community through the Pride recruitment events.

"I'd urge every gay man who's attending one of the Prides to join the register.

“All it takes is a small saliva sample to sign up, and you may find you've saved someone's life."

The charity will be recruiting new donors at Norwich, Nottingham, Leicester and Manchester Prides during July and August.

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