A KIDDERMINSTER man's experience at the cruel hands of leukaemia have spurred him and his family and friends into playing an active part in raising funds for a new centre of excellence where, it is hoped, a cure for the killer disease can be found within 10 years.

Since Duncan Corfield was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia two years ago, he has become the 17th patient in the country to receive a revolutionary combination of stem cell transplant - from his sister, Benita - and chemotherapy using a powerful new drug.

He still attends regular check-ups at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham but said early indications suggested his treatment, so far, had been a success.

The father-of-two is well aware that not all leukaemia sufferers are lucky enough to find a suitable donor, however, and now gives his time as a volunteer for Cure Leukaemia - a charity set up in January to support a new Centre of Excellence at the QE.

Cure Leukaemia aims to generate £3 million over the next five years, using it to pay research nurses and co-ordinators and buy new equipment and drugs not yet available on the NHS.

The centre, which is currently being built using a £2.2 million grant from Advantage West Midlands, will provide hope for 7,000 sufferers in the West Midlands, undertaking advanced research and treatment and providing after-care for people like Duncan.

It is for this reason that it is so close to the heart of the 46-year-old cable jointer and his wife, Elaine, who recently helped to organise a fun run in Sutton Park in Birmingham.

Their 15-year-old daughter, Robyn, took part, as did their brother-in-law, Andrew Grubb, and friends, Jason and Debbie Bower.

Duncan and his family are members of Franche Club, which has also raised £5,000 for Cure Leukaemia in the past year.

That was because the social club's former president, Len Taylor, decided to donate the proceeds from charity work undertaken during his term of office to the charity after Duncan diagnosed with the disease in March, 2003.

Describing the time since his diagnosis as a "whirlwind", Duncan said he was delighted with everyone's efforts.

The father-of-two, who was featured in the Shuttle/Times & News last year, said: "It's been a great response. Franche Club is only small so to raise something like £5,000 is a lot of money." He added of the centre of excellence: "If everybody is working under one roof, it has to be good for people's care.

"I can't say enough of the staff at the QE. They are absolutely spot on, so I'll gladly give a bit of time."

More information on Cure Leukaemia is available by logging onto the website at www.cureleukaemia.co.uk