A PUB manager is hoping that sharing his surname with a Selby teenager in need of a bone marrow transplant will make him the perfect donor.

Paul Rushworth read in The Press how Ben Rushworth had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia last May and was in need of a lifesaving bone marrow transplant.

The family of 16-year-old Ben, from Brayton, has joined forces with the Anthony Nolan Trust to search for a bone marrow donor.

But Paul, who manages the Six Bells pub, in Strensall, York, hopes he can help too.

“I can remember hearing something when the Anthony Nolan Trust was first set up that if you’re any form of relative you have more chance of being a bone marrow match,” he said.

“I don’t know Ben and my parents, who are the only people who would know if we’re related, are away on holiday for the next few weeks.

“But Rushworth isn’t a very common surname. I don’t know where his family are from originally, but we might be relatives. It’s a shot in the dark, but it could be a good shot.”

The Anthony Nolan Trust is running testing sessions across North Yorkshire this month and next. Ben’s dad, Jeremy, works for North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and the organisation has allowed the sessions to be held at stations across the county.

The first session was held at Northallerton Fire Station, in Crosby Road. Nigel Gorvett, from the Trust, said about 25 people had come forward, with 18 putting their name down on the trust’s bone marrow register.

Another session took place at Scarborough Fire Station yesterday.

Further sessions will be held between 4pm and 8pm, at Acomb Fire Station, in Poppleton Road, on Monday; at Harrogate Fire Station, in Skipton Road, on Monday, April 6; at Richmond Fire Station, in Gallowgate, on Tuesday, April 7; at Selby Fire Station, in Canal Road, on Wednesday, April 8; and at the fire service’s centre in Easingwold Business Park, at Coxwold House, in Birch Way, on Thursday, April 9.

To be eligible for the trust’s register, you must be aged between 18 and 40 and be in good health.

Paul cannot make any of the sessions because of his work commitments. But The Press has passed on his details to Jeremy in the hope that he may prove a match.