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Two brothers donate stem cells to patients 13 years apart

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 19:15 · Archive

Two brothers from Colchester have each donated stem cells to patients through the Anthony Nolan register, with James donating in 2013 and Matt in 2025.

James and Matt Canham, originally from Colchester, have each donated stem cells to patients in need through Anthony Nolan. James, 34, a project manager at a record shop in Brighton, signed up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register and donated twice to the same patient in 2013. More than a decade later, his younger brother Matt, 31, a kombucha brewery manager in south London, donated in 2025.

Both brothers were inspired by family members who regularly donated blood. Their maternal grandfather gave more than 60 pints before he had to stop. James said: 'Growing up, we both watched our relatives give blood. I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps and give as well, and when I saw about Anthony Nolan's work it seemed like an obvious thing to volunteer for.'

Matt decided to donate after seeing James's experience. He said: 'The team made it incredibly easy and were great from start to finish, from arranging transport and my GCSF injections to the collection on the day. Everyone has been great, and our family have all shared how proud they are of us.'

Matt donated at the Anthony Nolan Cell Collection Centre in Nottingham, the UK's first dedicated stem cell collection facility. Rowena Bentley, head of programme and community recruitment at Anthony Nolan, said: 'It's so special to see two brothers both chosen to donate their stem cells to a patient in need 13 years apart.'

Two brothers donate stem cells to patients 13 years apart
Image: Colchester Gazette

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In this story: James Canham · Matt Canham · Anthony Nolan · Colchester · Brighton · Nottingham

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log