Dozens of staff and students from Leicester College turned out to put their names on the Anthony Nolan register yesterday.
A special session was set up by the college in conjunction with the charity, which offers a lifeline to those in need of a stem cell transplant by keeping a register of potential donors.
The session aimed to encourage more people from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds to come forward as there is a shortage of them on the register.
Among those who joined was Mandeep Panesar, 19, from Braunstone, who is studying a BTEC in childcare.
She said: "A lot of my friends registered today and if there was something I could do to help save someone's life, then I'd like to help. As I come from an Asian ethnic background I'd like to do my bit."
Fellow student Leera Williams, 18, from Beaumont Leys, said: "It's been promoted at Leicester College as part of our Healthy Living Week. We've all been recommending it to friends on other courses, so a group of us came together."
Those who wish to join the register must be aged between 16 and 30, weigh more than eight stone and have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35.
To find out more, visit:
www.anthonynolan.org