DISTRAUGHT parents are battling to find a bone marrow donor to save their daughter's life. Julia Hember, 32, was diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year and needs a transplant before Christmas.

Her parents Paul and Mary live in Codford, near Warminster. Helped by their three sons they have already persuaded more than 600 people to register on a list of bone marrow volunteers in a desperate bid to find a match for their daughter.

The family have organised special days around the country to attract volunteers. Hundreds have come forward from the Royal Navy and businesses.

Miss Hember said: "Worldwide, four million people are already registered, but I have no match yet. Every new volunteer raises new hope, for me and for the many others who need marrow donors.

"Unlike blood types, marrow matches are very difficult only one in tens of thousands is perfect."

Until a match is found, she has to have a blood transfusion every two to three weeks. Doctors at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London monitor her progress and keep her spirits up.

Once a week Miss Hember has to call the hospital in the hope that a suitable donor has been found. So far there has been no good news, but her family are still optimistic.

Miss Hember moved to South Wraxall when she was eight and went to Stonar School. She moved to London to work as a freelance photographer and has worked for The Guardian and Channel 4.

Her dad Paul said: "Because of her illness she is often exhausted, so can't work at the moment. She is hoping to go back after treatment but it will take a long time for her to recover."

If the operation goes ahead, Miss Hember will recuperate at her parents' home. Her dad is trying to keep up a brave face, but said the news sent shockwaves through their close-knit family.

He said: "The team at Barts hospital have been fantastic and Julia is always cheerful and never complains. We will not give up. We are not only doing this for Julia but for all the other sufferers as well. This could be anyone's daughter."

Mr Hember never expected to find so many volunteers and is now hoping to get more than a 1,000 people to register.

It only takes a few minutes for a nurse to take a quick blood sample, which is screened by the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Miss Hember said: "Even the transplant isn't as hard as you may think. A blood-filtering method means that it is rather like an extended blood donation, but you get most of it back. Only the life-saving stem cells are harvested and given to the recipient."

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Wiltshire Times is appealing to all our readers to come forward and help save Julia's life and thousands of others like her.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 40 and are willing to become a donor for a blood cell stem transplant please contact the Health Centre in Bradford on Avon on (01225) 866611.

People can also have blood samples taken at Codford Surgery on October 17.

You can telephone (01985) 850298 for an appointment.

To find out more about the donation process visit www.anthonynolan.org.uk