DATA released by a blood cancer charity shows Warrington is falling short of stem cell donors.

DKMS, a charity dedicated to fighting blood cancer, has found that Warrington makes up just over nine per cent of the total DKMS donors in the north west.

Someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every 20 minutes in the UK so DKMS is urging more people in the area to sign-up and go on standby to help save a life.

Blood cancers are now the third most common cause of cancer death in the UK.

While for most people there is no single cure, a blood stem cell donation from a genetically similar person can offer the best treatment and could help give someone in need of a transplant a second chance at life.

The data release coincides with a new campaign from DKMS featuring people searching for their potential lifesaver.

One man featured in the campaign is dad-of-two, Peter McCleave, 40, who, after being diagnosed with myeloma, has been given just seven years to live if a matching donor is not found.

Peter, who recently set his own personal challenge to secure 10,000 DKMS sign-ups from across the region, said: “I have no intention of the seven years the doctors have given me being it.

"Everyone has it in their heart to help but sometimes life gets in the way.

"I’m Peter, I’ve got two kids and a wife, you could help save my life and others in need of a matching donor by registering as a potential lifesaver – please don’t hold off, every second counts.

"I truly believe there are more good people out there than bad and I really need your help.”

Lisa Nugent, head of donor recruitment at DKMS says: “For a few minutes of your time now to sign up, you could save someone’s life in the future.

"If you’re aged between 17 and 55 and in general good health, there’s no excuse not to, as it could make all the difference to someone in need of a donation, like Peter and his family.

"There could be a #LifesaverInYou.”

People can order their home swab kit by visiting the DKMS website.