THE life-saving actions of a Westbury woman have inspired four more people to come forward as bone marrow donors.

Sarah Tucker put her name on the bone marrow register 11 years ago and, earlier this month was called on to donate bone marrow to save the life of a seriously ill child.

She said: "I was wary at first but my doubts vanished when I found out it was for a child. I hope someone would do the same if it was one of my children."

After reading Mrs Tucker's story in the Wiltshire Times four more people who came to give blood in Westbury decided to put their names forward as bone marrow donors.

Blood donor organiser, Brenda Jones, said: "We get the odd one or two who do this but four was exceptional for one session.

"These people were really serious and had the blood test straight away."

The Blood Donor Service maintains a register of those willing to donate if they are called on and a simple blood test is all that is required to be placed on that register.

Some people may never be asked to actually donate but those who are often represent the last chance for sufferers of leukaemia, which kills more children in Britain than any other disease.

Donating blood can also save a life and the blood donor service is urging people to keep giving blood over the summer holiday period.

Stocks can dip over the summer months but demand is still as high.

Spokesman, Jane Samuel, said: "We are reminding our donors how important it is to keep giving and urging new donors to come along and help save lives.

"Donors can just turn up to their nearest local station and really make a difference to someone else's life."

For further information on bone marrow donation ask at your nearest blood donor station or call the blood donor service on 0845 7711711.

Upcoming blood donor sessions: August 6, Civic Centre, Trowbridge; August 13, Paragon Hall, Westbury; August 19 Avon Sports Club, Melksham; August 27 Assembly Hall, Warminster; September 16 St Margaret's Hall, Bradford on Avon.

For further information visit www.blood.co.uk