A selfless teenager from Colchester who donated stem cells to a stranger is backing a campaign to help find more young heroes.

In June Celyn Evans, 17, became one of the youngest such donors in the UK.

He was contacted by the Anthony Nolan Trust as a possible match after joining the bone marrow register last September when his brother’s friend developed leukaemia.

Now he is supporting Anthony Nolan’s Save A Life At 16 campaign, calling on HMRC to include details about stem cell donation when it writes to people with their National Insurance number ahead of their 16th birthday.

Celyn said: “You often hear that young people are self absorbed and not interested in helping others, but I think that’s wrong. People just need to be made aware of how they can help.

“It’s a very simple process, and I am surprised more people don’t do it. But I think it’s just down to people knowing about it, which is where Anthony Nolan’s idea comes in.”

For more information or to join the register visit the Anthony Nolan Trust website.