YOUNG leukaemia sufferer Aimee Read is facing the biggest battle of her life today as she undergoes a vital bone marrow transplant.

The brave five-year-old captured the hearts of hundreds of East Lancashire people who were told she would die within 12 months if a match was not found.

After receiving intensive chemotherapy in Christie Hospital, Manchester, for four weeks she will be transferred across the city to the specialist bone marrow unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury later today.

Branches of the Friends of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust rallied round to help the tot who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Two special clinics were held in Blackburn in August and October in an attempt to find a match for the youngster, of Moorcroft, Edenfield. More than 120 police officers from Blackburn were put on the donor register at one of the session after dog handler Tony Ellis recruited the help of his colleagues.

Chairman of the Blackburn Friends Hilary Ashcroft said: "Just before Christmas we heard that a likely match had been found.

"Its wonderful news that the transplant is going ahead. The next four weeks are going to be critical for her. All our prayers go out to Aimee and her family."

Aimee's parents Wendy and Mark and a back-up person will be the only people able visit the tot during the next four weeks while she is isolation.

Hilary added: "Aimee will be awake during the procedure, although she will be feeling very weak and miserable after all the chemotherapy.

"Afterwards everybody will be doing their best to make sure she picks up no germs and is given the best chance to fight back."

The name of the bone marrow donor will be kept secret until the procedure is completed and will only be released if the person agrees.

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