A YORK cancer sufferer's desperate search for a donor received a massive boost when more than 200 people turned out to a stem cell clinic.
Jamie Glover, of Appleton Roebuck, had urged as many people as possible to turn out to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust clinic, at Burnholme Community College.
The 20-year-old music student suffers from Hodgkins Lymphoma. He might die unless he receives an urgent stem cell transplant.
The 200 samples have now been sent to the trust's London laboratory.
They will be tissue-typed and tested to see if a match can be found for Jamie.
Trust donor recruitment officer Megan Godden said: "It was a fantastic turnout, and a very successful clinic. To recruit 200 donors over one evening is brilliant. The chances of finding a match for Jamie and everyelse looking for a donor is increased by a turnout like this."
Jamie's mother, Tracy, today thanked everyone who turned out and queued last night.
She said: "It was a fantastic night. The turnout was brilliant.
"We were happy with the amount of young people that came, especially the number of young men."
The clinic was also attended by Nicola Coates, the York woman who beat leukemia after finding a bone marrow donor.
Nicola's search for a donor was supported by an Evening Press campaign, and, after six months, a match was found.
Nicola said today: "Two-hundred is an excellent turnout. It was really moving."
Megan said the samples would stay on file until the donors turn 60. Every time a patient needs a donor, their sample will be checked against the trust's register.
Hodgkins Lymphoma is a rare cancer where white cells in the immune system become abnormal and divide too rapidly. Anyone wishing to donate a sample can contact the trust through its website, www.anthonynolan.org.uk, by email on newdonor@anthonynolan. org. uk, or phone 0207 2841234.
Updated: 10:33 Thursday, March 25, 2004
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