Family of woman diagnosed with rare form of leukemia start campaign to save lives

Chloe St John

The family of a Belfast woman diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia have started a campaign to encourage more people to sign up to become stem cell donors.

Mum-of-three Sharon Whyte McCloskey was given the shock diagnoses last February.

Despite undergoing chemo-therapy, the 43 year old has been told she will need a stem cell transplant.

However the chances of a match are low because of the rarity of her illness.

Her family has teamed up with the Anthony Nolan Trust to encourage as many people to sign up to the register as possible - to help save lives.

Sharon's brother John - has been speaking to Q Radio:

A campaign statement said:

"Our aim is to raise awareness on Blood Cancer and encourage as many people as we can to register to donate their blood and save as many lives as they can in the process. Cancer does not care about Sharon or us. It does not care if you are young or old, a parent or child, rich or poor."

"It does not care if you have hopes for yours or your children’s future."

"It does not care if you have booked holidays or started preparing for special occasions. Cancer does not care."

A series of stem-cell registration events are taking place across Northern Ireland. Event information can be accessed via http://saveoursunflower.co.uk/events.html