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A MOTHER whose son successfully battled a brain tumour but was later diagnosed with leukaemia is starting a campaign to encourage people to donate their stem cells.

Andrea Poyser's son Laughlin known as Lockey Whiteley, 7, had a brain tumour removed in 2011. But he was then diagnosed with treatment-related acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) last November.

Since then, the Burnham family has spent countless hours travelling to and from London's Great Ormond Street Hospital for Lockey's treatment.

Now Andrea, 42, with the help of friends, has set up "Unlock a Life for LocKEY", which aims to help raise awareness about stem cell donations.

"The general public think that stem cells come from the bone marrow and that's just not true," said the former drama teacher and actress Andrea.

"It's such a simple and easy procedure that costs nothing you can really make a difference to the lives of children. If you can, then why not.

"There are people suffering that could die because of lack of stem cells, it's easy to find out if you're a match and it's possible that you could save someone's life."

The group hope to help unlock matches for stem cell donors, plus give advice and support to families with children who have been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Unlock a Life for LocKEY is organising an event on Saturday, March 1, in Burnham where people can submit swab tests and donate during a day of live entertainment with a number of celebrities in attendance.

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Maldon Chronicle published Donate your stem cells: Mother's campaign after son Lockey, 7,...