A 40-year-old support worker has given his brother a very special Christmas present - the gift of life.

Neil Lewis, of Saundersfoot, has given a bone marrow transplant to his seriously ill younger brother, John.

John, who is 38 and lives in Pembroke, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia back in June 2009.

Up until 16 weeks ago he lived a normal life, working full-time in Blueberry’s Restaurant in High Street, Tenby.

But suddenly one day in August, he took a turn for the worst and was admitted to Withybush Hospital.

“During his time there, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia,” explained Neil.

“Since then, John has made several visits to Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital and a few visits to B4 Haematology at the University of Wales in Cardiff for specialist chemotherapy treatments.”

Neil who was matched with John when he was initially diagnosed successfully donated his bone marrow last week following a six-hour donation session and John is now recovering at the Heath Hospital following his transplant.

“John is such a likable guy that everyone knows him and as a result people have been so shocked and saddened by his illness,” said Neil.

“As a family, we have been touched by so many people asking about him and offering their good wishes. John is good in himself, but is very tired.”

John and his family are very grateful to the staff and doctors at Withybush Hospital and the University Hospital of Wales for the help and care he has received.

During John’s illness, he and his family have also been supported by Bloodwise, the UK’s biggest blood cancer charity.

As a way of raising awareness for leukaemia and saying thank you to Bloodwise, they are now actively fundraising for the organisation whose mission is to stop people dying from blood cancer, to make patients’ lives better and to stop blood cancers happening in the first place.

Neil is leading a team of 20 or so of John’s Angels - friends, family and John’s colleagues from Blueberry’s in the New Year’s Day Swim in Saundersfoot, while Chris Lee is running the Bath half marathon, Dai Morgan, the Llanelli half and Barrie Evans, Gerald Brace and a gang of his Fit Friends the Cardiff world record attempt half marathon.

In addition, Paul Luger, of the Amroth Arms, has added his support and is organising a fundraising night, while Mary Thomas, of Pleasant Valley, is will be donating the proceeds of the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn quiz night on March 2 to the fund.

“I had initially set myself the target of raising £100,” said Neil, “but already I have raised £180 myself. People have been so kind offering to take on events to take part in and organise, while donations in sponsorship have been amazing.”

All the individuals taking part in the fundraising have sponsor forms, while donations can also be pledged via www.justgiving.com and search for Neil Lewis.