HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a special bone marrow clinic due to be held in Bournemouth later this week.

Organisers desperately hope to find a match for medical student Michelle Olver, who is suffering from a rare form of leukaemia.

The talented 20-year-old was shocked to discover she suffers from the potentially fatal illness when she became unwell earlier this year.

Doctors have told Michelle, 20, that her only hope of a full recovery is a bone marrow transplant but there is currently no match for her in the world.

Michelle, a former Talbot Heath pupil whose parents and brother live in Cedar Avenue, Northbourne, is studying medicine at Cardiff University.

The Anthony Nolan Trust, a charity which aims to match donors with those in need of transplants, is hosting a clinic at Victoria Avenue Tennis Club in Winton on Friday.

Michelle has been a member of the club for many years and is a talented player who has played at county level.

Her father, Colin, said: "Michelle is currently back at university but will be coming home for the clinic because she wants to thank all those who make the effort to turn up.

"We hope to find a match for Michelle and hope as many people as possible will turn up."

Michelle has been diagnosed with the rare chronic myeloid luekaemia and a donor must be found by March, within a year of diagnosis, if she is to stand any chance of a full recovery.

The clinic will be held at the tennis club, in Victoria Avenue, from 4.30pm until 7pm.

First published: September 29