A former resident of Eriskay has been recognised for donating their stem cells to help someone in need.
Erin MacKinnon was a pupil at Sgoil Lionacleit when she signed up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register after being recruited through the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) charity partnership.
After being found to be a match for a patient in need of a lifesaving transplant, Erin travelled from Eriskay to London to donate her stem cells.
At a ceremony held at SFRS national headquarters in Cambuslang, Erin, who is now studying in Glasgow, was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from SFRS Chief Officer Ross Haggart.
Erin, 21, was part of a group of 14 people who had travelled from areas all across Scotland to receive their certificates in recognition for their selfless commitment to helping others.
They had been previously recruited onto the Anthony Nolan donor register through the SFRS charity partnership with the stem cell charity.
Erin said: “I’m delighted to receive this certificate and it was also good to see all the donors being awarded and to hear their stories.
“I brought two friends with me to the award ceremony and they were so inspired they are now going to sign up to the Anthony Nolan register.”
SFRS group commander for Western Isles, Dougie Campbell, led the recruitment drive and supported the event that Erin attended when she signed up to the Anthony Nolan register.
He said: “When I received the news that Erin had become a stem cell donor, I was immensely proud and excited to hear about her journey.
“As firefighters, we save lives as a team, but these young people are volunteering to donate their stem cells to potentially save another person by giving them that second chance of life.”
SFRS chief officer Ross Haggart added: “All of these people are truly inspirational.
“They have displayed an incredible commitment and desire to help others. Through their actions, they have given someone with blood cancer a second chance of life.
“I’m delighted to award these Certificate of Commendations; they are truly deserved.”
The SFRS partnership with Anthony Nolan was formed in 2009 after then area commander Ally Boyle had been diagnosed with Myelodysplasia.
Ally quickly realised that both SFRS and Anthony Nolan have a shared focus – saving and improving lives. The partnership has seen 19,000+ potential donors recruited to the stem cell register with 105 of those going on to donate.
The SFRS and Anthony Nolan partnership’s main focus is on recruitment drives throughout secondary schools as research shows younger donors lead to more successful transplants.
Holly Gooch, partnerships manager at Anthony Nolan said: “Anthony Nolan’s partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is an incredible part of our lifesaving work ensuring that every patient can receive a stem cell transplant and has the best access to, experience of and outcome from treatment.
“The tireless work of the SFRS has helped to recruit thousands of potential donors to the stem cell register, helping give over 100 people a second chance at life.
“The 14 donors commended are truly deserving of the recognition bestowed on them, and we hope to continue to recognise many more amazing people in the years ahead.”
Anthony Nolan recruits people aged 16-30 to the stem cell register as research has shown younger people are more likely to be chosen to donate.