Green Gown Awards 2019 - Loughborough University - Highly Commended

#SpitHappens was a ground-breaking, rapid turnaround collaboration between Loughborough University, Loughborough Students’ Union, Anthony Nolan and the Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer and increase potential stem cell donor numbers. A target of 2,000 fully qualified donors within 24 was set. #SpitHappens galvanised our entire community behind a common goal and has paved the way for two subsequent lifesaving health campaigns. 

The initiative was developed and delivered rapidly within six weeks on a shoestring budget and was internally focused on staff and students at Loughborough University. Statistically, for every 170 people that join the register, one match is found.   

Loughborough wanted to help and developed a campaign that would make a real impact, save lives and set a benchmark for other universities. Addressing the lack of BAME donors was key – only 60% of sufferers find a match dropping to just 20% for BAME individuals. 

Top 3 learnings:

• A clear, bold purpose will attract support widely. 
• Think about your organisational culture.  
• Don’t let budget constrain creativity. This project tested our creativity to the max but delivered huge impact on a very small budget in a sustainable way. 

Videos

• Green Gown Awards 2019 - Loughborough University - Student Engagement (click to hide)