A friend of mine recently gave birth here and was able to donate her umbilical chord blood to the Anthony Nolan Trust.
The blood contains unique properties. It can be used to replace damaged bone marrow or for research that could lead to the successful treatment of a host of other diseases and conditions.
It's quick and easy to collect, and would otherwise be thrown away, and there is no risk to the baby or mother.
It's something I really wanted to do too when I heard, but my hospital doesn't participate. So just thought I'd pass the info on to anyone who might want to do this as it's currently the only hospital in the scheme.
more info here