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Stevens Thanks Fans For Stem Cell Support

Gary Stevens has thanked Everton fans for their show of support at a stem cell donor clinic held at Goodison Park.

Several hundred fans made their way to the stadium on Saturday and Sunday to be swabbed and register to become potential lifesavers with the blood cancer charity, DKMS.

The two-day event was held in support of the Blues legend, whose four-year-old son, Jack, remains in desperate need of a donor following a recent relapse following treatment for juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia, a rare blood cancer that affects young children.

And Stevens has issued a heartfelt message to everyone who has supported his family since news of Jack’s debilitating condition was revealed.

“I'd like to thank every person who attended Goodison park over the weekend,” he said.

“The level of support for our family has been a source of comfort and we appreciate all the messages and help that we are getting.

“The turnout at Goodison was amazing.”

Fans queued to join the donor register throughout Saturday, and following Sunday’s ‘If You Know Your History’ run, which ended at Goodison.

And after raising awareness of the desperate need for donors by inviting fans to be swabbed and join the register, organisers were overwhelmed by the response.

Reshna Ravinda, Head of Communications and Engagement at DKMS, said: “We would like to thank the staff and supporters of Everton Football Club for making our stem cell donor registration drive over the weekend a success.

“About 200 people came forward to sign up in support of the campaign we’re delivering on behalf of Gary, and the generosity of the community was so impressive.

“Since coming out of lockdown, DKMS has been cautious about running face-to-face events.

“However, seeing the numbers of people coming forward to register this weekend has made us realise there are so many people interested in registering as a life-saver in waiting.”  

Evertonians aged 17-55 and in good general health can still become donors by registering online for a home swab kit, or donating towards the cost of processing the swabs, at www.dkms.org.uk/jack