A MASS screening session in Bury this Sunday (September 28) could be the last chance to save the life of leukaemia victim Aimee Read.

Her mother Wendy has appealed to the people of Bury saying: "Any one of you could be the answer for us."

Frantic efforts have been made over the last few months to find a bone marrow match for the five-year-old who has only 12 months to live. A check of 300,000 samples nationwide has already proved unsuccessful.

The Anthony Nolan Trust has organised two donor clinics after a Bury Times article about Aimee's plight provoked a huge response from local people. The first is this Sunday at the Louise Brooks Health Studios in Chapel Street, Bury, between 2 and 5pm.

"This is now Aimee's only chance," said Mrs Read, "and if volunteers don't come forward, she has no chance.

"I would urge people to imagine just how they would feel if it was their child."

Aimee, of Moorcroft, Edenfield, was diagnosed as having leukaemia in 1994. At the donor clinics, volunteers will fill in a medical questionnaire and give a small amount of blood. If a "match" is found, and the donor agrees to go ahead, the marrow is extracted under general anaesthetic in a procedure that takes about an hour.

The Trust aim to take around 200 samples in Bury and will be left with a bill of around £10,000 meaning that lots more fund-raisers are needed.

Two local groups have been set up to help raise money. On Wednesday, October 1, the Bury group will have their first meeting at the Old White Lion in Bolton Street, Bury, at 8pm and on Wednesday, October 8, the Ramsbottom group will meet at 8pm at The Major in Bolton Street, Ramsbottom.

There will be a second screening session at Ramsbottom Working Men's Club on October 15 between 7 and 10pm.

Anyone who would like to become a donor or get involved in fund-raising, can contact Steve Joyce on: (0161) 795 9152.

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