'Tissue type is ethno-geographically determined, inherited like eye or hair colour. A patient's best chance of finding a genetic match lies with those of similar ethnic ancestry.'

My name is Danny Whyte and I am a leukaemia patient. I was diagnosed with Leukaemia in April 2004 and underwent four courses of Chemotherapy treatment, over an 8-month period. I was given the all clear at the end of January 2005.

I came back in to Hospital for a routine check up on the 29 th of June 2005 and was informed that I had relapsed. This means that I have been re-admitted into
hospital and undergoing another course of chemotherapy. This time, I will need a bone marrow transplant, as it's my only chance of a cure. For a match to be found for me, I need people like you to act now and get tested. I have just a 1 in 100,000 chance of finding a match because I am of African decent. You can save my life. Your generosity as a bone marrow or stem cell donor could help me win this battle with leukaemia.

Tissue type is ethno-geographically determined, inherited like eye or hair colour. A patient's best chance of finding a genetic match lies with those of similar ethnic ancestry. For me, these are volunteers of African, Mixed Race and Asian ethnic backgrounds. I urge those of the same ancestry to take a proactive step and join this unique life-saving cause.

People think that to donate marrow means to undergo major surgery. That is not the case. All that is needed from a person to start the process is a teaspoon full of blood to test for a tissue match.

Thank you for taking the time to read my appeal and I hope you can help. May God bless you for your good deeds and benevolence.

More information about the launch and the donor drive can be found here at: http://www.dwib.org

Danny Whyte passed away on Tuesday May, 22nd 2007, we hope his appeal has inspired you to become a bone marrow donor.