Skip to main contentSkip to footer
sarah ferguson butterfly ball© Photo: Getty Images

Sarah Ferguson releases heartfelt message for vital campaign – exclusive

The Duchess of York was touched by Maggie's story

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
December 21, 2022
Share this:

Sarah Ferguson has supported dozens of heartfelt campaigns over the years, and speaking to HELLO!, she gave her support to the #matchformaggie campaign.

EXCLUSIVE: Sarah Ferguson reveals humbling experience ahead of royal family Christmas in Sandringham

#matchformaggie is encouraging people to donate blood in order to find a stem cell match for Maggie Lanyard. Maggie is currently in Sydney Children's Hospital with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and requires the transplant in order to save her life.

WATCH: Sarah Ferguson flooded with support as she issues heartfelt message

Speaking to HELLO!, Sarah said: "Maggie is clearly an incredible young woman, and I was heartbroken to hear of her diagnosis and the fact that her illness would not respond to chemotherapy. I have been thinking a great deal about her courage as she waits for a stem cell donor.

READ: Sarah Ferguson reveals fun Christmas plans with Princess Eugenie's son August

SEE: Sarah Ferguson reveals twinkling Christmas tree at private home

"Too many families in this situation face the awful news that there is no matching donor on the stem cell register, which is why I am supporting Match4Maggie, a very important campaign to increase the number of potential donors."

She continued: "I am asking everybody aged 16 to 30 who is in general good health to sign up. It could literally be the difference between life and death for Maggie and other people in her situation. Her story shows just how much stem cell donors are needed and I am praying they find the perfect match for her soon.

Sarah Ferguson holding Red Cross award© Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of York is involved with numerous charitable causes

"In the meantime, I am sending love and strength to Maggie and her family – let's get her back on her surfboard. I ask everyone to spread the word about the campaign."

For her treatment, Maggie requires stem cells from anybody aged between 16 and 30 who is a match for her.

EXCLUSIVE: Sarah Ferguson's Christmas plans revealed

DISCOVER: Why only some royal brides keep their wedding tiaras revealed

The stem cells would be harvested through a simple blood donation.

To learn more about the campaign, visit here.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royalty

See more