MICHELLE Olver had everything going for her. She had won a coveted place to study medicine at Cardiff University, was a successful tennis player and was enjoying life in the company of good friends and her close-knit family.

But the talented 20-year-old was dealt a cruel blow when, out of the blue, she was diagnosed with cancer.

And now she is battling against the clock to find a suitable bone marrow donor to save her life.

The former Talbot Heath pupil has urged members of the public to come forward to help her and others in a similar situation.

And she has asked Daily Echo readers to support a charity event at a Bournemouth tennis club tomorrow (August 27).

A 12-hour tennisathon will be held at Victoria Avenue Lawn Tennis Club to raise vital cash for the Anthony Nolan Trust, the charity which screens potential donors and holds a database in a bid to match them with patients.

It will be followed up with a donor recruitment clinic, also to be held at the club, on Friday October 1.

Michelle, who is about to enter her third year as a medical student, was diagnosed with the rare chronic myeloid leukaemia in March this year.

She had been suffering from extreme tiredness and bowel problems and had visited her GP.

"I had blood tests done and the doctor came to my house at 9pm and started asking me if I had felt any lumps or had any other symptoms. He was surprised that I was up and about, bearing in mind the condition of my blood. He told me to go to for more blood tests the following day and, after that, I was given a hospital appointment."

Michelle, who has played tennis at county level, said she believed she may have glandular fever or possibly diabetes.

"My mum came to the hospital with me and we were surrounded by people having blood transfusions and people with no hair. There were posters up about leukaemia and bone marrow transplants. I just burst into tears.

"We were led into a room and they told us. It was very traumatic because I was not expecting it at all. I am 20 years old and I've got cancer - you don't expect that."

Michelle lives with her parents, Simone and Colin, and 17-year-old brother Christopher at Cedar Avenue in Northbourne.

She said her medical knowledge has been helpful in understanding her condition: "I know the only cure is a bone marrow transplant and I know there is currently no match for me in the world. I also know that people with this illness are given about five or six years to live."

A donor must be found by March, within one year of diagnosis, if Michelle is to stand a strong chance of full recovery.

The tennisathon will be held from 9am until 9pm August 27 with junior members raising money through sponsorship. To help or to donate cash call 01202 526566.

First published: August 26