LEUKAEMIA sufferer Mick Baines is set to mark the first anniversary of bone marrow transplant by raising £5,000 for the hospital which performed the potentially-life-saving operation.

More than 700 celebrities from across the globe have responded to personal appeals made by 42-year-old Mick, a former Great Harwood policeman and security guard at Express Gifts, Church.

They sent signed photos and memorabilia which he plans to auction at Botany Bay, near Chorley, next month.

Stars ranging from Pavarotti to SClub7, the Chuckle Brothers to Leonardo Di Caprio and William Shatner to the Beckhams were all so touched by Mick's brave story that they sent photos.

And his wife Julia today revealed she had even received a call from Rod Stewart's office in America to say his autograph was on the way too!

For the last year, Mick has had to stay protected from even the smallest cold virus in case it affects the success of his transplant.

Mick, of Bolton Road, Abbey Village, underwent the operation at The Christie Hospital, Manchester, last November.

Mick endured a three-year, round-the-world hunt for a matching marrow donor before one was found late last year, in the form of a 26-year-old American nurse.

The marrow was injected into him in late November, and his initial reaction to the treatment was so good he was allowed home for Christmas.

But the disease had left him with next to no immune system -- meaning he has had to be very careful about going out and meeting people. So, along with Julia and son Andrew, he set about writing to the rich and famous asking for their support for an autograph auction.

With the help of local businesses, which have helped to meet his postage costs, Mick has received more than 700 autographs -- some of which could fetch up to £250 at specialist collector auctions.

The money raised at the Sunday, November 25 event will be given to the adult leukaemia unit critical care appeal at The Christie Hospital.

Mick said: "The response has been amazing. We have had replies from across the world."

"Local football teams like Blackburn Rovers, British stars like the Beckhams and international superstars have all sent their autographs.

"We have over 700 now."

The response has been so good that Mick has had to rearrange how the event will run, between 11am and 6pm.

He said: "We were going to auction them all, but we are now just picking the top 100 and auctioning them. The others will just be sold for a fixed price."

James Dreyfus, who shot to fame as PC Goody in TV comedy The Thin Blue Line, will officiate.

Julia said: "We are delighted he can come along. He said yes straight away and has taken a real interest in how Mick is doing."

In the three years leading up to his operation, Mick raised thousands of pounds for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust which operates Britain's only bone marrow donor register.

It was through them that his American match was found.

The doctors who treated Mick at The Christie will also be attending.