Leeds Rhinos fans can play a lifesaving role for one of their own

Peter McCleave, a 40-year-old dad-of-two, was diagnosed in June last year with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells.

He desperately needs a stem cell donation – and blood cancer charity DKMS will be at Headingley before tomorrow evening’s fixture against Warrington Wolves attempting to find a potential donor.

DKMS staff are hoping to take mouth swabs from as many people as possible at the game, with the samples then being analysed to establish each person’s tissue characteristics.

That tissue information will be added to the UK Stem Cell Registry, where searches are carried out to try to identify a match for patients like Peter.

Rhinos fan Peter, who lives in Cheshire, said: “Ideally we need a donor who will donate stem cells. That’s why we are now having a bit of a push.

“I think it needs to be more broadly appreciated, it’s such a simple thing to do, it’s quite a non-invasive procedure, but it can save lives.

“By doing it you are looking at saving other people as well – just being on the register will help hundreds and thousands of people.”

Peter’s dad, Mike McCleave, said: “The idea is we are asking as many people as possible to give a two-minute swab in their mouth.

“Hopefully we will then find a match. If we can get a match there is a good chance his life will be prolonged.”

The team from DKMS will be under the cricket West Stand on Amber Avenue from 5.30pm until kick-off at 7.45pm.