A MUM whose battle with leukaemia inspired more than 3,000 potential bone marrow donors to come forward has been hailed for leaving a “fantastic legacy”.

Julie Patefield, 38, had been recovering from a bone marrow transplant when she contracted a virus and died in Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Following her death on Wednesday tributes have poured in for the “family orientated” mum-of-two, from Colne.

Friends who set up the Help Julie campaign, organising clinics where potential donors had blood tests, said they were “devastated” by the loss.

And a representative of national leukaemia charity the Anthony Nolan Trust saluted the for leaving such a “worthwhile legacy.”

The Help Julie campaign was launched in October, one month after Julie was diagnosed with a virulent form of the disease.

It involved a number of blood test clinics being held to find potential donors being held across East Lancashire.

Helen Green, who met Julie eight years ago at her dance school, said the public response to the campaign had been heart warming.

“Sometimes 400 people would turn up to the clinics when we were expecting about 80,” she said.

“It restored my faith in people.

“Julie has left a great legacy behind and that’s what she would have wanted.

“It could save lives.”

Andrew, Julie’s husband, who is a firefighter in Burnley, helped organise 10 clinics at fire stations across East Lancashire.

But a positive match was eventually discovered by the Anthony Nolan Trust a bit further away – in America.

Robert Spiegel, a spokesman for the trust, said: “When someone like Julie needs a transplant, she and her family would have had enough on their plate.

“But to go out and talk to people about joining the register is remarkable.

“That was fantastic and will be a worthwhile legacy.”

Julie, who leaves behind two daughters, Jemima, seven, and Annabelle, three, underwent transplant surgery on May 13.

When the virus struck Julie was admitted to intensive care, and doctors had antibiotics flown from Germany to tackle the illness.

Helen said: “From the outside looking in they were the perfect family. It’s a real tragedy.

“The children are coping well because Julie didn’t have any secrets and explained everything to them, which has made them stronger.”

Julie worked in the phar-macy at Yarnspinners Health Centre, Nelson, but went off sick last July.

Ingrid Sanderson, who worked with Julie for 10 years, described her as an “inspiration” to everyone.

She said: “She was the nicest person I’ve ever known. It’s awful for her husband and two little girls.

“Everyone here is shocked and saddened.

“She fought so long and hard and was so brave – I never heard a whinge out of her once.”

Lancashire’s chief fire officer Peter Holland added: “Now we can only hope that the magnificent work by the Patefields and colleagues in East Lanca-shire to raise awareness of the need for bone marrow donors will ensure fewer people die as a result of contracting this dreadful disease.

“All our thoughts and prayers should be with Andrew and his family at this awful time”

Julie also leaves mother and father Mary and Trevor Howorth, brother Mark and niece Sarah.

For details of her funeral call Dennis Hartley and Son Funeral Services on 01282 870800 .

  • For information about the campaign visit the website below.