The mother of a woman who died of cancer is appealing to local people to consider becoming blood donors in her memory.

Amanda Bullard, nee Eliot-Cohen, who grew up in Ramsbury and was a pupil of Chilton Foliat Primary School, died in June last year aged 45, after a 12-year battle with the illness. She leaves a husband, Sam, and three teenage children who live near Newmarket in Suffolk.

Her mother, Susie Eliot-Cohen of Hilldrop, Ramsbury, said that frequent blood and platelet transfusions prolongued Amanda’s life.

Mrs Eliot-Cohen said: “Amanda was told in November 2008 that she had just a few months to live. But because of the treatments she was able to go on a wonderful skiing holiday with her family in February 2009, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

“A blood donation is the most amazing gift. It costs nothing and could save or prolong a life. Amanda had many transfusions of blood and platelets towards the end.”

To launch Amanda’s Wish, Mrs Eliot-Cohen sent out 2,000 letters to friends and acquaintances. She has had an amazing response.

“Hundreds of people registered to become blood donors. Most people over the age of 17 who are fit and well can give blood,” she said.

Mrs Eliot-Cohen is also asking people to consider becoming bone marrow donors after hearing of a six-year-old Irish girl, Katie, who died of leukaemia in May. “She was anxiously awaiting a transplant but it was not to be.”

To register as a blood donor ring the Blood Service on 0300 123 2323. For details on bone marrow donations go to www.bbmr.co.uk More information on Amanda’s Wish is available at www.amandaswish.com