The Evening Press today launches an appeal to help save the life of a young York woman battling leukaemia - and YOU could be the one who makes the difference.

Nicola: taken back intohospital in Southampton

Nicola Coates, 24, from Wheldrake, is in hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy and is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

Searches of bone marrow registers all over the UK and abroad have failed to find a match, so together with the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust we are urging people to take a blood test in the hope making the vital match.

And if your blood is not suitable for Nicola, it could save someone else's life.

Speaking from her bedside at a Southampton hospital where he rushed last week after learning Nicola had taken a turn for the worse, her father Gary said: "It's of critical importance that people come forward to help, and not just for Nicola, but for others in the same position.

"We have searched bone marrow registers all over the world without luck, and this transplant is vital."

We are asking readers to take a simple blood test which will show whether your blood is a match for Nicola's. The operation to donate bone marrow could involve a two-day hospital stay.

But Gary urged people not to be put off.

"I appreciate that some people may have reservations about the procedure, but if you are faced with saving someone's life it is not too large a sacrifice to make," he said.

Tina Emmott, spokeswoman for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, echoed Gary's plea.

She said: "A bone marrow transplant could be the difference between life and death for some people.

"For anyone who joins the register it's an opportunity to save the life of another human being."

The organisation is also appealing for money to help fund the tests - which cost £50 per person.

Gary said that Nicola was currently ill with the side-effects of chemotherapy, but stable and building up the strength she will need for a transplant.

"She's very resilient," he said. "It has all been a very daunting and unpleasant experience, but she's a real fighter and she's determined to beat this."

Neither Mr Coates nor his wife, Hazel, are suitable matches for Nicola, and nor are cousins who might have been able to provide the right blood match.

A sibling could have provided the best chance of a match, but Nicola's sister, Helen, died of a different blood cancer eight years ago.

We will soon announce a date for an information evening for people interested in helping our appeal, to be followed by a date for the clinics.

How you can help Nicola

Today we launch our Race for Donors appeal in conjunction with the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. Nicola Coates and thousands of others like her are in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant, and you could save a life by taking part.

Donors should be fit and healthy

Must be aged 18-40 years

Male donors particularly needed

Should be free from serious illness

Those with back problems should not apply

Potential donors will attend an information evening then give blood sample at clinic

Further tests done if possible match

Thorough medical examination carried out

The bone marrow removal takes one-hour

Two-night hospital stay involved

Travel expenses of donor and companion met by charity

Companion put up in hotel

Loss of earnings also covered

l 305 transplants provided by Anthony Nolan Trust last year

2,100 victims helped in last five years

If you would like to help please contact:

The Antony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, Haggs Farm, Follifoot, Harrogate, HG3 IEQ - Tel: 01423 879510 Fax: 01423 871758

You may wish to print out the form below and send it to the address above.

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