A campaign has been launched to find a stem cell donor for a boy with a rare blood disorder.

Life for ten-year-old Eddie North and his family in Whiteley was turned upside down in May this year when he was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia.

This has left him critically in need of a stem cell transplant.

But there is currently no perfect match for him on the stem cell donor register.

Eddie has become just one of the approximately 2,000 people in the UK waiting for a stem cell transplant.

Now Eddie's family, led by his mum Melissa, are encouraging more people to register as potential donors.

They have teamed up with blood cancer charity DKMS to organise a special stem cell donor registration event on Saturday, November 16.

The event will be held at St John's Church, in Hedge End, between 10am and 4pm.

Melissa said: "Eddie’s life has been turned upside down and he is missing school, football and all the other things a ten year old should be able to enjoy.

"As a mum and dad, we are programmed to fix things for our children but this isn’t something we can do this time – my heart breaks a little more each day.

"We need the generosity and selfless act of a stranger to sign up to become a stem cell donor in the hope of finding that perfect match for our son."

DKMS spokesperson Deborah Hyde said: "If you are found to be a match for someone needing a transplant, then in nine out of ten cases, donating your stem cells is a simple process similar to giving blood.

"Every 20 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer, so you could be giving someone like little Eddie a second chance at life."

The family will also be fundraising for DKMS via a tombola raffle.

Southampton businesses have also donated prizes, a Sunday lunch for two at The Solent Hotel & Spa, and car wash vouchers from Pinkmead Car Wash.

To register as a stem cell donor, visit dkms.org.uk