A MUM is appealing for help to provide a cash life-line for a vital donor register which helped save her son's life after he contracted leukaemia.

Sharon Challenger's six-year-old son Glenn found a bone marrow donor through the register which now cannot cope with demand due to a cash crisis.

Mrs Challenger, of Nares Road, Blackburn, said: "The register is a life saver.

"It is very hard to find a match and so the register is vital.

"Glenn got his donor through the register and it helped save his life.

"If he had a relapse he would need to use the register again. Any who can help raise funds is welcome."

The register - organised by The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust - has been a victim of its own success after national publicity led to a rush of potential donors. Around £1 million is needed to pay for tissue tests, each costing £50, for the 25,000 volunteers who came forward.

Trust area manager Steve Joyce said: "It is so frustrating that people are dying from their bone marrow disease when we have the volunteers but don't have the funds.

"The incredible number of people wanting to join the register and possibly save a life is brilliant, but we can only do as many tissue tests as we can afford."

Glenn had his transplant at the age of three and now attends St Peters RC Infant School, Blackburn, after making a recovery.

Mrs Challenger said: "Glenn's immune system was affected and he is still receiving treatment every three weeks at Queen's Park Hospital.

"But he is not bothered and gets on with all the normal things that a six-year-old does."

His search for a donor led to the formation of the Blackburn Friends of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.

Anyone who can help should contact Hilary Ashcroft, of the Blackburn support group, on 01254 691107 or Mr Joyce on 0161 446 1151.

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