A SPECIAL party was held to honour the massive contribution a member of Leukaemia CARE's team has made to the Worcester-based charity's fund-raising success.

Bertie Bloodcell, the charity's fund-raising mascot, made his debut a year ago at the celebrity football match between stars from Hollyoaks and Coronation Street.

He has since participated in the Flora London Marathon 2006, the Great North Run 2006 and the local Warndon Parish Fun Run and even joined 500 santas to take part in both the Worcester and Gloucester Christmas Fun Runs 2006.

Bertie also enjoyed a trip to London, was a special guest at the Alfrick and Lulsley Village Fete and has socialised with many of the charity's team of volunteers.

Although he thoroughly enjoyed all his engagements, the highlight of the larger-than-life character's first 12 months was when he got to meet one of the charity's patrons, former football legend Gary Lineker, when he came to officially open Leukaemia CARE's new offices in Blackpole.

Leukaemia CARE's deputy chief executive, Eve Martin, said: "Leukaemia CARE is in constant competition from all the other, and often much larger and better known, charities across the UK.

"Each one of them does a fantastic job, and each of them, like us, relies on the work of volunteers, donations and fund-raising events to ensure that they can continue operating and offering their support to people in need.

"Bertie Bloodcell is a great character that is easily recognisable and always generates lots of attention, wherever he goes.

"He plays a valuable role in raising awareness of our charity and the services it offers to patients, their families, friends and carers who could benefit from the support we offer as well as to those people who want to offer their time, and those who want to raise money for us. We thought it was only right to mark his birthday and his successful first year with a small party."