A COMMUNITY has united to help an eight-year-old girl with leukaemia who needs a blood stem cell transplant.

The swab drive was held at Pershore Town Football Club on Sunday to try and find a match for Lily May Filmer, who lives in the town.

Lily May was diagnosed with the leukaemia three years ago and appeared to have beaten the disease, but it came back last Christmas.

Nicky Loader, 45, from Pershore, was one of the volunteers who gave up their time to be tested on Sunday.

Nicky said: “I’ve come out as I live in the area and want to do my bit for my community.”

Pershore Town FC’s chairman, Paul Loader, said: “I’m here to support a great cause.

“I want this club to be at the heart of the community for this and many more events.”

Hannah Thomas, donor recruitment manager for DKMS, said: “The turn out so far has been great - within the first hour, 30 people had already walked through the door.

“I want to thank the community for turning out and getting tested.

“Samples will go to our lab in Germany and results will take about two months.

“Visit our website to find out how you can help as we need more people on our register, not just for Lily, but many more adults and children.”

Police community support officer, Karen Kempton, who patrols Pershore, popped in to get tested.

She said: “ The police want to support Lily as much as possible - some of my colleagues will come in later to give a sample of their saliva too.”

Licensee at the club, Jacqui Mayler, who helped organise the event, said: “Lily’s mum is upset she can’t be here but she is with Lily at a hospital in Birmingham.

“But she told me she is thrilled with how everyone is trying to help.”

A second DKMS swab event will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at St Barnabas CE First and Middle School in Drakes Broughton.

More than 8million potential donors are registered within DKMS and have given more than 69,000 second chances of life to people diagnosed with blood cancer.

Anyone between the ages of 18-55 and in general good health can register and give a simple swab sample to see if they are a match for Lily, or anyone else who needs a blood stem cell transplant.

To find out more, visit: https://bit.ly/2uIgl5P.

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