A SMALL blood test could lead to a life-changing operation for a Lancaster mum - rescuing her from an isolated existence in a hospital bed.

The Citizen is renewing its appeal today for local people to help leukaemia sufferer Jennifer Wilson, and reunite her with her husband Chris and young son Ted.

A tiny blood sample could identify a suitable donor for Jennifer, of Derwent Road.

She says: "A bone marrow transplant is the only way my disease can be cured. Someone local could be a match. It could even be someone who knows me."

The Anthony Nolan Trust, which searches for donors, is holding a clinic for Jennifer at St Martin's College student union from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday.

The Trust's Megan Godden says: "We are looking for local people willing to save the lives of others."

People aged 18 to 40 are invited to join the register of donors. If their tissue is a match they could donate stem cells from the bone marrow - a simple procedure under general anaesthetic - or through a process similar to giving blood.

Jennifer says the Citizen had highlighted to many of her friends how serious her situation is.

"I know this is all very personal but often you need that for people to sit up and take note."

Jennifer, whose sisters Suzanne Mason and Rachel Read are not suitable matches, was admitted to Manchester's Christie Hospital at Christmas.

"I was seriously ill. I had problems with the first round of chemotherapy and they thought I might have had to go into intensive care," she says.

She receives regular blood transfusions, and is kept in isolation because her immune system is not functioning.

"I have had to keep people away so I am not being exposed to any germs. If they let me walk out of here tomorrow I would probably die from an infection rather than leukaemia."

She adds: "A lot of my friends want to go on the register but are frightened about whether it will hurt. There will some discomfort but you could save someone's life. I wish I could do that for someone."

The former Our Lady's High School student worked for Provincial Insurance, the former Prospero Direct in Morecambe and then Reebok before enrolling at St Martin's College.

For more details of how to help, log on to www.anthonynolan.org.uk or call 0901-8822234.