A DARLINGTON mother is running a half marathon in aid of the charity which helped her seriously ill son.

Vicki Waldie's seven-year-old son, Jamie, had a life-saving bone marrow transplant last year.

The operation took place after the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust found several good matches for Jamie.

To show her gratitude, Vicki will take part in this year's Great North Run, with her sister Paula Henderson, who lives in Middlesbrough.

They are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the trust and are now looking for sponsors.

"Jamie had his transplant just over a year ago and has recovered well," said Vicki.

"We have been unable to thank our wonderful, anonymous donor face-to-face and thought that the best way to express our gratitude would be to support the organisations that makes matches like this possible."

Despite all the hard work of the trust, and the selflessness of the donors, some patients are unable to find a suitable match.

More volunteers are always needed and money is required to tissue-type them for inclusion on the register.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Vicki or Paula can contact the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust on (01642) 592055.