EastEnders star Diane Parish said it is “really important” to highlight the difficulties for minority groups finding stem cell donors amid her character’s ongoing blood cancer storyline.

The 56-year-old actress said that taking on the subject has been “the most standout” moment from her two decades on the BBC soap, describing the experience as “so challenging but so rewarding”.

Parish made her first appearance on EastEnders as Denise Fox in 2006 and her character was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in an emotional storyline developed closely with national charity Blood Cancer UK.

In an interview with the Press Association, Parish reflected on how the storyline is something she has “never experienced before”.

The soap star said: “Without doubt, it has been the most standout for me.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without what’s lent into by all the other characters that are involved with Denise.

“It’s so important what you get from other actors in order to take it to that next level. It’s so challenging, but it’s so rewarding.

“I don’t think I would ever have this opportunity outside of a show like EastEnders. I’m feeling very fortunate to play her at the moment.”

Parish went on to describe the storyline as “obviously great”, but said she was most looking forward to it highlighting the difficulties minority groups face when finding donors.

The actress said: “It has taught me a lot, but for years I’ve wanted to champion and take part in events for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) because of the lack of donors.

“The amount of people that register is so low, the chances of finding a match are extremely low.”

Patients from minority ethnic backgrounds often face major challenges finding a matching stem cell donor because of a lack of donor diversity, according to Blood Cancer UK.

Parish said the public response has “overwhelmed me”, adding: “The cancer aspect is really important to me because so many people have reached out.

“A lot of people are so grateful that they’re being seen because it’s quite a little-known disease.

“Bringing it to the attention of others hopefully brings some sort of success in finding treatments.”

“They’ve really imbued the storyline into themselves.”

Christopher Colquhoun will make his EastEnders debut later this summer as Denise’s half-brother Darnell Larson Jr, whilst Krysstina Frempong will feature as his daughter Grace.

Reflecting on how the new additions may impact her character, Parish told PA: “It’s a brand new dynamic, to have a male sibling in her life.

“I think she’s quite in awe of that and I think it’s quite rewarding for her.

“But she hasn’t been able to focus on the relationship aspect of it because it’s been all about if he is potentially going to be someone who could save her life.”

Parish also said the addition of a half-sibling is “going to be great”, adding that the introduction of “a little niece is a lovely thing”.

EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.