Scots star helps disease victims

SCOTS movie star Dougray Scott is heading a life-saving campaign for leukaemia sufferers.

The actor - star of movies such as Enigma and Mission Impossible II - has agreed to donate his bone marrow.

He decided to help after forming a close friendship with a fan, Johanna MacVicar, who suffers from the killer disease.

She has suffered from chronic myeloid leukaemia since she was 16 and has searched the world for eight years to find a donor.

The 24-year-old, from Bishopton, Renfrewshire, has already had a transplant but it failed when the bone marrow was not a true match.

Dougray heard of Johanna's plight while researching his new film, Ripley's Game, in which he plays Jonathan Trevanney, an English picture framer who is dying of leukaemia.

During the making of the £45million movie, which also stars US actor John Malkovich, Johanna gave him advice on how to portray the character.

Dougray said: "Johanna was incredibly generous emotionally and opened up to me on the feelings of what it's like to suffer from such a disease.

"As an actor, it's easy to jump in and out of someone's life. After filming, I can carry on as normal but Johanna can't. That's why I feel strongly about the illness." Dougray plans to sign up as a bone marrow donor. And tomorrow, at a special clinic set up at top rock venue, King Tut's, in Glasgow, fellow Scots celebrities will also register, including Rangers' boss Alex McLeish, team captain Barry Ferguson, Hibs gaffer Bobby Williamson and top Celtic stars.

They will join members of the public giving a blood sample to determine their donor status. The register, organised by the Anthony Nolan Trust, could aid sufferers worldwide. A spokesman said: "For many patients, volunteer donors offer the only chance of life."

Johanna, who was befriended by pop star Robbie Williams after he was moved by her illness, said: "I've got a unique tissue type... no one seems to match it. I was stunned to learn how few were on the register. But I live each day and hope a donor will be found."

Dougray added: "When it boils down to it, all I would maybe have to do is spend a day or two in hospital. That's nothing when you think you could save someone like Johanna." YOU can join the leukaemia donor register at King Tut's in Glasgow tomorrow between 2pm and 4pm. Volunteers must be aged between 18 to 40, in good general health and weigh over eight stone. If you cannot manage tomorrow, you could find out more by phoning 01555 660 388, or visiting the charity's website: www.anthonynolan.com..

HOTLINE: 01555 660 388 .ENROL ON: www.anthonynolan.com

Copyright 2002 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd.