A RUNNING club is taking over a community event in a bid to get people to become stem cell donors in support of one of its members.

Shaun Roberts, a member of Durham running club Elvet Striders, has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

As part of his treatment, the 61-year-old from Wolsingham, in Weardale, will need a stem cell donation and Elvet Striders are helping out by taking over this week’s Parkrun event in Durham.

They are working with DKMS, a blood cancer charity, to organise a public registration event alongside the 5km run, held in the city every Saturday.

Jonathan Hamill, chairman of the club, said: “Shaun is a long standing, and well thought of, member of the Elvet Striders, and the running club wanted to do all they could to support.

“As a large local club of some 450 runners we’re pleased to have the opportunity to do something positive to support Shaun and DKMS, and I’d encourage Parkrun participants, our local running community and people in Durham to come and support this very worthwhile event.”

People aged between 17 and 55, who are in general good health, are being encouraged to attend and register with the charity.

The event takes place between 9am and 10.30am at Durham Amateur Rowing Club (DARC) in Green Lane.

The Parkrun starts, as usual, at Maiden Castle, in Stockton Road at 9am and finishes at the bandstand on the Racecourse, close to DARC.

Mr Roberts was diagnosed following a routine blood test and two days later was admitted to the Northern Centre for Cancer Care in Newcastle for an intensive four week session of chemotherapy. His doctors are now looking for a matching donor.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted at the response of Elvet Striders as a club to this situation, and hope the forthcoming special DKMS Parkrun event is a great success. Thank-you to everyone involved.

“I know the club also has fundraising plans for later in the year to help cover some of the costs of processing all the swabs, which I am also delighted about, and who knows, would like to get involved in myself, should I get the chance.”

Sarah Gray, DKMS donor recruitment manager said: “Please spare the time to attend the event and help find a matching donor for someone in need of a blood stem cell transplant.

“By doing this selfless act and registering as a potential lifesaver you’ll go on standby to save the life of someone just like you. If you can’t make the donor drive, you can register online for a home swab kit at www.dkms.org.uk.”