Leanda Guy
Marketing executive, Leanda Guy was 10 weeks pregnant when she saw an interview with Richard Branson on GMTV, launching Virgin Health Bank.
“Being pregnant I found the whole subject of Virgin Health Bank fascinating. I had never heard of stem cell banking before. Richard Branson was very passionate and knowledgeable about the lack of stem cells available and the future possibilities. I was very impressed with the whole concept. I visited Virgin Health Bank’s website and contacted the helpline as I had a few questions. I spoke to the Virgin staff who provided clear, concise answers to my queries. I was specifically anxious the cells may be used in testing on animals, cloning or something equally hideous. The team spent time talking me through exactly what would happen to the cells and how they would be kept and I felt completely happy. I spoke to my consultant who had collected stem cells before and we talked through the process together which was also reassuring.
“I did not feel the need to look at any other stem cell bank services as I rate the Virgin brand and I felt this was another example of Richard Branson’s entrepreneurial skills being used to develop such a worthwhile service.
“As a marketing professional, I am often disappointed with services offered however when the documentation and collection kit arrived I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of thought that had gone into everything. Deciding to bank your baby’s stem cell is a very personal and important decision. The attention to detail taken with everything from the branding to the personal service provided on the phone was impressive.
“Renouard is our first child and I feel so lucky to have him as I am not a young mum. I initially wanted to store my son’s stem cells in case he ever needed them, but when I understood about the public aspect of the bank, as well as the private split, it made me think how much it could potentially benefit others. I do hate waste!! Throwing something away that could potentially save lives just doesn’t make sense to me!
“Obviously I hope and pray Renouard will never need his cells however I am really pleased they are there as an insurance and if we can help other people in the long run then all the better.