The fundraising appeal sparked off by Nicola Coates's race for a bone marrow donor has collected almost £8,000.

And even more events are planned to give a further boost to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, with the Derwent Lions the latest organisation to get involved.

Villagers in the Wheldrake area have been galvanised into their massive fund-raising drive by the plight of Nicola, 25, who needs a bone marrow transplant in her battle against leukaemia.

She will be reliant on a match being found from a register of potential marrow donors, such as the one run by the Anthony Nolan Trust. But it costs the trust about £50 to test every potential donor and funds are desperately needed.

Appeal organiser Maggie Kirkland said £7,800 had been raised so far, through a charity auction at the Wenlock Arms, which brought in £3,521, events at Fulford School (£1,063), a coffee morning and bring-and-buy sale organised by villager Sheila Elsey (£1,148) and another £2,075 through straight donations following a leaflet drop around the village.

Now the Derwent Lions are planning a 70s/80s night, featuring the band 200 Miles, and a buffet supper, which will take place at Dunnington Sports Club on October 16.

Lions president Ken Hardgrave hopes the event will raise about £1,000. Tickets costing £8 can be obtained by telephoning him on 01904 448198 or Vic Neild on 01904 488256.

Maggie said an eight-mile sponsored walk was also planned by Wheldrake Youth Club. The walkers will leave the village school at 10.30 am on Sunday.

Three more events are planned at the Wenlock Arms: A cookery demonstration at 8pm next Monday, a disco next Friday and a performance by Malton band Bowler on October 22.

Maggie said the community was united in wanting to help the trust and Nicola. "It has really brought the village together," she said.

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