A civil servant from Streatham has given the gift of life to a critically ill leukaemia patient - even though he has never met her and she lives in a foreign country. Alan Cooke, 38, of Woodmanstern Road donated bone marrow at the beginning of August.

All he knows about the recipient of his bone marrow is that she is an adult, she lives in Finland and is alive because of him. He has asked to be updated on her progress every three months.

"I registered with the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow after it was suggested to me by a friend who works for the blood service," said Mr Cooke.

The organisation keeps a list of people prepared to donate their marrow, and tries to match them up with people in need.

Mr Cooke added: "It is a long process involving many blood tests. You are warned the chances are you won't get a match.

"I was a little nervous when I did receive a call because I've never been under general anaesthetic before."

"Immediately after the operation I felt as if someone had given me an over zealous massage at the bottom of my back.

"At home I felt sore and a bit stiff, but that wore-off over the next two weeks.

"I was playing badminton after three or four weeks, and now I'm back to playing squash again," said Alan.

Rupa-Dey Amin, Area Manager for the trust, said: "We are very grateful to Alan for what he has done.

"And, also for being willing to allow us to use his story to get the message across to others - without people like him, who are willing to on the register and be prepared to donate their bone marrow, if called upon, we would be able to do nothing at all."

The trust is looking for more volunteers to join their register, and also to take part in their Firewalk Challenge on December 2.

Anyone interested should contacted Rupa-Dey on 020 8421 0322 or 0890 990 7230.