A LEADING doctor, who made UK medical history, is appealing to the people of the North-East to help him treat more adult leukaemia patients.

Professor Stephen Proctor carried out Britain's first adult bone marrow transplant using blood from a baby's umbilical cord earlier this year.

Unlike conventional bone marrow transplants, this approach can be used to treat adults who do not have a good tissue match.

The haematologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, believes the technique could save many lives.

But because no specific NHS funding exists for this new type of transplant, Prof Proctor is unable to perform any more of these operations.

Prof Proctor said he is in talks with the Department of Health over funding for his work, but until that is resolved, he is dependent on charity.

He said: "We need about £100,000 a year and the best way I can think of doing that is to get 2,000 out of the three million people who live in the Northern region to sign a standing order for a pound a week. If we get enough people, we would be sorted over-night."

The work of Prof Proctor's unit has been praised by Anne Knox, mother of Stephen Knox, 31, from Middleton St George, near Darlington. Mr Knox was the first patient to benefit from the new technique.

Although Mr Knox died last week after a relapse, the transplant gave him months of life he might not have had, his mother said.

"It was Stephen's wish that donations in lieu of flowers go to support the work of Professor Proctor's unit," she said.

* For more information about the Marrow Transplant 2000 charity, ring 0191-222 7632 or 0191-283 5042.