Sister of dad facing leukaemia waiting game raises raises cash to help families like theirs

A sister whose donation could save the life of her brother following his leukaemia diagnosis has helped raise more than £1,100 to help families just like theirs.
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It comes after energy consultant Donna, from Jarrow, donated stem cells and platelets from her blood to her big brother to help his system following rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy under the treatment through Sunderland Royal Hospital and then the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

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The 44-year-old from Hebburn, who lives with partner Kerry Bottrill, 39, and their daughters Katie, six, and Oliva, four, will find out next month if it has worked, with a top-up donation ready if needed.

The Energy Fitness spinathon team, who have raised funds for the Leukaemia Trust following the diagnosis of Lee Foster.The Energy Fitness spinathon team, who have raised funds for the Leukaemia Trust following the diagnosis of Lee Foster.
The Energy Fitness spinathon team, who have raised funds for the Leukaemia Trust following the diagnosis of Lee Foster.

Until then, as his immune system is low, he is unable to hug his girls and has to take a host of measures to avoid catching a bug.

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As he awaits his news, Donna's team gathered at the weekend for their bike challenge, hosted at Energy Fitness in Jarrow, with James Barnes and Dean Crouch leading their class.

More than £1,100 has already been raised for the Leukaemia Trust and donations are still welcome via a JustGiving page.

Lee Foster, 44, from Hebburn, pictured with his daughters.Lee Foster, 44, from Hebburn, pictured with his daughters.
Lee Foster, 44, from Hebburn, pictured with his daughters.
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Donna, 41, said: “It was absolutely brilliant, I couldn't believe it and I’d set a £500 target and we more than doubled it.

"Each of the personal trainers did an hour-and-a-half each and we did the full three hours – I wanted to keep on going.”

Those who joined in the challenge were Lauren Bushell, Jan Hill, Angela Topping, Janette Davidson, Jane Brownlee, Emma Mckenzie, Kimberly Ord, Janice Evans, Shayne Ward, Gemma Dodds, Gary Blake and gym manager Andy Evans.

Lee, who works as a driver, was diagnosed with Lymphopenia following a routine blood test following an infection in his leg, followed by a blood clot.

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He is resting at home following his treatment, as well as recovering from coronavirus, which he developed during his treatment.

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