A FORMER Blackburn man is carrying out a transatlantic search for his long-lost cousin after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Eric Schulze, 57, moved to America nearly 30 years ago after being left some money for a Stateside trip by his American grandmother.

He enjoyed his visit so much that he made a permanent move and now works as a guitar teacher in Uniontown, near Pittsburg.

Eric was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2004 and is desperately searching for his cousin Joe Wilding, who he lived with as a child.

Eric was diagnosed with chronic lymphoid leukaemia - a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell - after he found a lump on his neck.

The cells multiply quickly and live too long. Over time they replace the normal white cells, red cells and platelets in the bone marrow. Eric has just finished a six- month course of chemotherapy and said: "I lost touch with Joe since I moved. I would like to find him before it's too late. My leukaemia is in remission but one never knows.

"The doctors can't tell me how I got it, what caused it or how long it will stay in remission. I was a mechanic for about 35 years so exposure to chemicals probably hasn't helped."

Eric, who attended St Silas's School and Witton Park Secondary School, lived in Freckleton Street, Blackburn, before moving to America in 1978. He lived with Joe as a child at Lois Place and Lynwood Road, Blackburn in the late 1950s.

Joe is believed to be in his late 60's and worked as a self employed carpet fitter in Preston.

Eric briefly returned to East Lancs when his mother, Edna Schulze, died.

Eric said: "I was in England in 1987 after my Mum passed away.

"People at her home said someone who matched his description had been there and was very upset when she died.

"I'd like him to get in touch."

Contact Eric at 326 Pittsburgh Street, Union-town, PA 15401. USA, or email nshan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk.