EIGHTEEN-years-old leukaemia victim Steven Culshaw is depending on his blood brother for the gift of life.

Next month he will undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant operation at the Christie Institute thanks to donor, David, 16 - an almost perfect match.

Steven's family from Golborne Road, Lowton, were devastated when the shattering news of the disease was revealed on New Year's Eve.

Since then he has undergone chemotherapy treatment. Tests on his two sisters Elizabeth, 20, and Helen,14, and brother revealed David was the most suitable to provide him with a brand new future.

Now his aunt, Mrs Norma Campbell, of Derby Road, wants to thank the people of Golborne for their help in raising £1,430 for the hospital.

Shattered by Steven's diagnosis she organised two prize bingo nights and a couple of raffles at Golborne Conservative Club.

She said: "Golborne is a small community, but when someone needs help everyone rallies round.

"Steve is one of the nicest lads around. He never answers his mum back. At first we thought he was being a bit lazy, you know how you can't get lads up sometimes, but I'm afraid it was a lot worse than that.

"We were delighted when tests revealed that even if David was a twin he couldn't be a closer match. It's magic.

"Steve is now doing really well thanks to the Christie and everyone's support."

Both are Golborne High School boys, and played rugby for the school and Parkside Golborne. Steve gave up last summer, after nine years, and David just recently to concentrate on GCSE exams.

Steve, who was working temporarily at Exel Logistics in Ashton Road, Golborne, as an order picker, also plays golf, but he said: "That's been put on hold for a while."

Mum and dad, Jean and Robert, said: "We noticed a month before New Year he looked run down, but we didn't expect such a New Year shock. We just hope everything will go well for both sons.

"We want to thank everyone who has been so kind. We are grateful to pop bands Union John and Strange Weather and everyone who attended a concert at Golborne Catholic Club early in the year."

Steven added: "David is being very brave and I'm very grateful to him."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.