71 islanders have come forward and signed up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.

They attended the recruitment event, hosted by Friends of Anthony Nolan at Springfield Stadium Café on Father's Day. 

READ MORE: Father's Day plea for islanders to join stem cell register to save Jersey dad

This was to support island dad Tony Ferreira, who has been battling a rare form of blood cancer called Sézary Syndrome since 2017. 

From this time, we're told that Tony, his wife Osvalda and their daughter have had their lives dominated and overwhelmed by the illness. 

Multiple public pleas and stem cell recruitment drives have taken place in the island over the years, which have so far been unsuccessful at finding Tony a match.

Tony and his family are not giving up though, and are hoping that the recent event on Sunday June 16, will give them the compatible stem cells they need to treat his illness. 

Tony and his wife Osvalda (right) with recent sign-ups to the stem cell register

Islanders between the ages of 16 and 30 and in good health were asked to come forward. 

Those with Madeiran or Portuguese descent were also targeted, as those with a similar ethnic background to Tony may are more likely to be successful matches. 

Kate Baigent, from Jersey Friends of Anthony Nolan, says Tony and his family were overwhelmed by the turnout:

"I think they were really delighted to see so many people come out again specifically for him, in the hope of finding a match. 

"70 chances sounds like another good hope doesn't it? So lets hope that's what happens."

A man undertaking a mouth swab at the Anthony Nolan stem cell sign-up event

Those that signed up to to be potential donors filled out a form on their phone and undertook a mouth swab. 

Those that could not attend the Father's Day stem cell event but would still like to join the register, can still do so. 

Potential stem cell donors between the ages of 16 and 30 can sign up on Anthony Nolan's website. 

Those who would like to put their names down, but are between the ages of 30 and 55, can join the DKMS register.