MORE than 100 people signed up to be a potential stem cell donor after a swab drive held to support a little girl with leukaemia.

The swab drive was held at Pershore Town Football Club on Sunday to try and find a blood stem cell transplant match for Lily May Filmer, aged eight.

Lily was diagnosed with the leukaemia three years ago and appeared to have beaten the disease, but it came back last Christmas.

Lily had been hoping to attend the drive but was not well enough.

A post was uploaded onto Lilys freedom fight Facebook page - which was set up to update followers on the little girl’s progress - to say that 110 people had turned up.

The post said: “I’m so happy with the results from Lily’s swab drive today. Even though I wish I was there, I am so happy it was a huge success.

“110 more potential donors on the DKMS UK register. Thank you so much everyone who attended.”

Lily has been put on the list for an urgent MRI scan of her head and spine. She will have it under general anaesthetic, as it will take approximately an hour to scan.

The young girl just three weeks left until she hopes to be admitted for her transplant.

The post, by mum Kayleigh Chapman, continued: “Lily has lost all strength in her legs and is needing a lot of support to get her on the commode now. And even when she’s on, she is struggling to pass urine.

“She is still gradually declining in her abilities, but she can still move.”

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“It seems cruel that we are now here again, fighting another battle whilst we should be home making memories together. But we are strong, even when most times I do wonder how we will make it through.

“Thank you everyone for always thinking of us and wishing us your best thoughts for what is already a very rocky road. We knew it would be worse than anything we’ve ever done before, but I honestly didn’t think it would be this horrific. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

The family shared on Facebook their heartbreak before the swab drive event as Lily could not make it as she had a “bad turn.”

Anyone between the ages of 18-55 and in general good health can register and give a simple swab sample to see if they are a match for Lily, or anyone else who needs a blood stem cell transplant.

Visit ww.dkms.org.uk/en