Michael Gartshore, an eight-year-old boy from Rosyth who is fighting a rare and potentially life-threatening condition, is hoping you can become his lifesaver this weekend.

His family are appealing for people of all nationalities to register as a potential blood stem cell donor with DKMS, a blood cancer charity, when they hold a registration event at the Kingsgate Centre on Saturday.

From 10am-3pm, the charity will be set up opposite Marks & Spencer and they are encouraging as many people between the ages of 17-55 and in general good health to get involved.

Michael’s story has been featured in the Press recently after he was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia a few months ago.

As his body doesn’t produce enough blood stem cells, he is currently receiving two blood transfusions per week and his best chance of survival is to receive a blood stem cell donation from someone with a matching tissue-type.

Michael was diagnosed after his mum noticed unusual bruising and booked a GP appointment. 

His mum, Tracy, said: “The weekend before his diagnosis he was playing in the park and running around like any boy of his age. It just came out of nowhere and knocked us all for six.”

Despite a global search a matching donor has not yet been found and he is relying on a stranger to help save his life.

DKMS is supporting Michael’s search to help find a donor for him and the other 2,000 people currently  seeking matching donors in the UK.

Sadly, four out of 10 blood cancer patients in the UK will not find an unrelated matching blood stem cell donor.

Tracy said: “It’s heartbreaking to witness your child go through this – you wouldn’t wish it upon your worst enemy. At times we feel utterly hopeless, as there is absolutely nothing we can do except hold his hand.

“We have been working with DKMS and trying to do everything we possibly can to help raise awareness of Michael’s story and why it’s so important for people to register as a potential blood stem cell donor.

"It’s not just for Michael, it’s for everyone else fighting a blood cancer or blood disorder.”