A GROUND-BREAKING initiative looking to save lives has come to Wee County schools for the first time.

Pupils over the age of 16 at local secondary schools were last week introduced to the Anthony Nolan charity by representatives at partnering organisation the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The Anthony Nolan charity aims to save the lives of people with blood cancer and runs a world-wide register of stem cell donors to help find matches for patients desperately in need of a transplant.

The young people heard not just about how they can step forward and potentially save a life, but were also given the opportunity to become champions of the initiative within their schools with a view that they will organise and take ownership of future events.

A strategic partnership between the fire service and Anthony Nolan has been thriving for more than a decade and is close to the heart of many firefighters as it was their colleague area commander Ally Boyle who brought it about after he was diagnosed with myelodysplasia.

His desire to use his condition to help others has resulted in more than 14,500 potential stem cell donors recruited through the partnership, the majority being school pupils from across Scotland.

Amy Barrett, regional register development manager for Scotland at Anthony Nolan, said: "This is the 11th year of the award-winning, transformational SFRS and Anthony Nolan partnership and every year more teenagers are taught about the importance of stem cell donation.

"We're thrilled to confirm that SFRS are bringing their educational programme to Clackmannanshire schools this academic year – spreading the word and saving more lives."

Last Friday, February 28, senior pupils at Alloa Academy heard a presentation that introduced them to the stem cell donor register, following an event at Lornshill Academy the day before.

Lorraine Sanda, chief education officer at Clackmannanshire Council, told the Advertiser: "This initiative further strengthens our strategic partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

"I am proud of the way our schools and pupils have responded to the opportunity to potentially become lifesavers. Our young people are developing valuable skills for the future."

Following the presentation, a number of pupils stayed behind to step forward as champions of the cause with the aim they would soon organise an event to get others to register.

Mark Bryce, local area commander at the fire service, added: "The partnership events in secondary schools are designed to do more than just recruit young people onto the register.

"The school events are designed in a way that encourage greater involvement from pupils and allows them to take ownership and put their own 'stamp' on the events.

"It is designed to fit with the school's curriculum and help pupils to develop positive citizenship.

"To see young people, step forward and potentially save someone's life is extremely gratifying and this partnership work will build on our excellent relationship we have already with the Clackmannanshire service."