PEOPLE are being urged to register as bone marrow donors to help save lives.

The Anthony Nolan Trust is holding a session on Friday (jan22) at Northumbrian Water’s head office at Pity Me, Durham City, from 10am to noon.

Stephen Bell, 32, of Lanchester, a customer systems analyst for the firm, hopes people will sign up to be donors.

His daughter Emma, four, has been battling leukaemia for 18 months and is due to have a bone marrow transplant after her brother Kieran, eight, was found to be a suitable match.

More than 35 of Mr Bell’s ’s colleagues will register at the session by giving a saliva sample.

Members of the public are welcome to attend but must have registered their details by 4pm tomorrow (Wednesday January 20) by calling Jane Morland at Northumbrian Water on 0191 301 6787 or e-mailing Jane.Morland@nwl.co.uk.

Mr Bell said: "We have been very lucky to find a matching donor for Emma through her brother, but there are many other families who are still waiting, and hoping, for a matching donor.

"I would encourage people to come forward and join the register. The more people who are registered, the more chance there is of saving the lives of those who desperately need a transplant."

Potential bone marrow donors need to be aged 18 to 40, in good health and fully committed to undergo the donation procedure if required.