Ref. 29631-55A TEENAGE leukaemia sufferer made infertile by chemotherapy may achieve her dream of having children, thanks to her friends.

Two years of chemotherapy treatment have left Gemma Lambert, of Tattershall Close, Toothill, unable to produce eggs.

But now her friends have rallied round to raise enough cash to allow the 19-year-old to have fertility treatment in the future.

Each treatment which involves transplanting a donor egg costs about £10,000, and there is no guarantee of success.

The latest fundraising event a 70s band night and auction at Grange Drive Community Centre,in Stratton raised £7,000, so there is now enough cash for one treatment.

Among the items auctioned were a signed Liverpool FC football and a signed Chelsea shirt.

Fundraiser Nikkie Taylor, 36, said: "Gemma has already been through an awful lot, we just wanted to help."

Gemma has waged a three-year battle against the disease.

Last year she suffered a blow when, after a period of remission, blood tests showed signs of cancer cells and later this week, she will undergo a bone marrow transplant at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

She said: "I am just overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends. I have always wanted children and this has really touched me."