QPR Star Visits Chiswick-based Blood Cancer Charity
Jimmy Dunne learns about DKMS which his club has been supporting
Jimmy Dunne at the charity's HQ in Horticultural Place. Picture: DKMS
January 20, 2024
QPR’s star centre half, Jimmy Dunne, paid a visit to a Chiswick-based charity this Thursday (18 January) to learn more about its work.
The Republic of Ireland U-21 international and his club have been key supporters of DKMS which is based in Horticultural Place. The organisation’s aim is to ‘delete’ blood cancer by encouraging more people to sign up as potential stem cell donors.
The Championship club hosted the charity as their official ‘match day partners’ for a home fixture at their Loftus Road stadium in December at which they achieved a much-needed win.
As he toured the DKMS offices, Jimmy heard how, every twenty minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer. He filmed a video showing how quick and easy it is to sign up, including completing a simple mouth swab kit (which DKMS sends out free of charge).
Jimmy also met Peter McCleave, who needs a stem cell transplant following a life-altering diagnosis of myeloma, and who has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the need for more stem cell donors, in particular from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Jimmy said, “It’s been a real eye-opener today, to see the amount of work that goes into giving someone a second chance at life. It puts football into perspective for me.”
DKMS spokesperson Deborah Hyde said, “Everyone at DKMS loved meeting Jimmy – his keenness to learn about what we do, and his enthusiasm for ensuring more people with blood cancer get the stem cell transplants they need was so inspiring. Together we can delete blood cancer!”
Jimmy (left) learnt about the charity's work and heard from its beneficiaries. Picture: DKMS
It’s quick and simple to register with DKMS as a potential stem cell donor at dkms.org.uk. Anyone aged 17—55 years who is in general good health can sign up to receive a simple mouth swab kit that potential donors can do at home and send back to DKMS for processing.
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