Ref. 26288-39BIG-HEARTED Dale King celebrated his birthday in hospital . . . in a bid to save the life of a young leukaemia sufferer.

Mr King, 41, of Paul's Croft, Cricklade, had been on the Anthony Nolan Trust register for 12 years, when he received a call earlier this year informing him that his bone marrow closely matched that of a dying patient.

For leukaemia sufferers who have not responded to chemotherapy and radiotherapy only a transplant offers a chance of survival.

On July 1 his birthday Mr King travelled to the London Free Hospital where, the following day, surgeons removed a small section of bone marrow under general anaesthetic.

Within hours, the life-saving bone marrow had been transplanted.

Mr King, a team manager at Southern Electric, was discharged the next day and allowed to return home.

Although he suffered from tiredness following the operation, he says he is none the worse for wear.

"From the beginning I was told that I may feel tired and lethargic for up to two weeks, so it didn't really come as a shock.

"At the end of the day a bit of discomfort is nothing when you could be helping to save a life."

While it is recommended that donors have between seven and 10 days off work, Southern Electric granted Mr King two weeks' leave.

Due to the trust's policy, he has been unable to find out about the patient or how she is getting on.

"All I know is that it has gone to a young lady somewhere in the UK," he said.

"I would love to meet her and say well done for not giving up, but the rules are in place for a reason."

Now Mr King, who has also been a blood donor since he was 18, is urging more people to register with the trust.

He said: "It really is simple. It's no problem at all. Your GP takes a small sample of blood which is then stored on the trust's main database in London. If it is compatible they'll contact you.

"For the sake of a trip to the hospital you could help save somebody's life.

"The trust is absolutely brilliant. It is an extremely well run organisation. The staff answer any questions that you may have they don't hide anything.

"My wife Cath was put up in a hotel and was kept informed of everything."

Meanwhile Sharon Wells, appeals manager for Wiltshire and Dorset said young adults and people from ethnic minorities are especially needed to come forward.

She said: "Because of the very specific matching needed between the patient and the donor you may never be called upon, but if you are, it is a great feeling to know you may be saving someone's life.

"I think Dale's donation is fantastic. He has been on the register for a few years so it's great he's finally been able to help someone."

The charity is holding a fundraising concert on September 13 at Salisbury Cathedral. The REME military band will be kicking off at 7.30pm. Tickets range from between £7 and £18.50. To book or for further information about how to become a donor call Sharon on 01202 600629.

Youngsters desperately need transplants

Recent figures show there are more than 4,000 children with leukaemia, who have reached the stage where only a bone marrow transport will save them.

Bone marrow is the tissue that forms the blood cells, both red and white, and is found within the hollow cavities of the bones of the body.

It is the job of the white blood cells to protect the body from infection and disease. Each year almost 28,000 people develop cancers of the bone marrow with many suffering from diseases like leukaemia, which derives from the Greek word meaning white blood.

The disease is characterised by an explosion in the number of abnormal white cells within the bone marrow. These then spill out into the blood stream, severely impairing the immune system.

Untreated cases are terminal. In 25 per cent of cases a matching bone marrow can be found from within the patient's family.

But for the vast majority, finding an unrelated donor via The Anthony Nolan Trust is their only chance.

Volunteers are accepted in the age range 18 to 40, and can remain on the register until the age of 60.

The trust is desperately short of donors, and needs people from all ethnic backgrounds.

For more information log on to the website www.anthonynolan.org.uk