A CANCER sufferer has been given a life-saving boost — from his colleagues.

Jonathan Ali, aged 47, from Hawkshaw, was delighted when his workmates decided to donate blood.

Doctors diagnosed him with Ewings Sarcoma and he is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital where he regularly receives blood to help him with his treatment.

His colleagues at the BBC decided they wanted to help Mr Ali out and producer Laurence Inwood encouraged the staff to donate blood.

He wanted to get enough people to donate to match or exceed the amount Mr Ali needs.

Mr Inwood said: “Jonathan has a lot of good friends at the BBC and when he was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year we wanted to do something to show how much we care about him.

“Donating blood seemed like the most natural thing to do as he has received numerous blood transfusions since his diagnosis.

“When I appealed for donors I never imagined so many people would come forward and give blood and it’s a real testament to how highly regarded Jonathan is and what a great bunch of colleagues he has at BBC Salford.”

Currently 26 people have donated and other members of staff keep volunteering their services.

Senior broadcast journalist Mr Ali said: “Receiving blood has enabled me to function with the anaemia, got me through a seven hour operation and helped me to cope with both chemotherapy and sepsis.

“Without blood donors it’s unlikely I would still be here. I would like to encourage people to donate because you never know when you will need blood.”

Amanda Eccles, senior marketing coordinator at NHS blood and transplant, added: “We are delighted that the BBC North team are supporting their colleague and blood donation.

“We always need new people in and around Greater Manchester to start donating blood to ensure that stocks across the country are healthy now and in the future. I hope that people will be inspired to donate with the knowledge that their donations save lives and that it is an easy thing to do.”

Hospitals and patients rely on around 6,000 people attending a donation session each day.

To register as a donor visit www.blood.co.uk