A DONOR drive to save the life of a little Gornal girl who desperately needs a bone marrow transplant is set to take place this weekend.

Phoebe Ashfield, aged 19-months, is battling leukaemia after being diagnosed with the illness when she was just seven months old.

Following a year of gruelling treatment, Phoebe's mother, Emma Wyke, recently received the devastating news that CAR-T therapy had not worked.

The youngster received the treatment, which involves using the patients’ own immune cells to treat their condition, as part of a trial at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital as Pheobe is too young to receive radiotherapy.

The news was a devastating blow for Phoebe's parents Emma and Jordan, and means that a bone marrow match is now urgently needed so the youngster can have a life-saving transplant.

Emma said: "We thought we had two potential matches, but now we are back to square one.

"We found out on Monday the therapy hasn’t worked so now Phoebe needs a bone marrow transplant."

Phoebe was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in January 2019 and since then she has relapsed twice, while going in and out of Birmingham Children's Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for treatment.

Emma explained: "She was diagnosed in January 2019, she relapsed in June, then again in September. She then had a CAR-T transplant in October but now have found out that the transplant hasn’t worked. It came as a huge blow."

Phoebe's story has been picked up by Michelle Osell and Karen Westwood, better known as comedy duo Musings of Black Country Wench, who were touched by Phoebe's plight.

After meeting with Emma and Phoebe, the pair, who work to promote local causes, set to work to help and have managed to organise a donor drive event in only a few days.

Michelle said: "It was short notice but with this little girl time is of the essence. When I heard her story I felt it was in order."

The donor drive takes place at Brierley Hill Market on Saturday (February 8) from 10am to 4pm and as many people as possible are encouraged to sign up to the donor register.

Blood cancer organisation DKMS will be on hand to register potential donors, take cheek swab samples and answer any questions people may have in a bid to find a match a stem cell match for Phoebe.

The day, dubbed Drive For Team Phoebe, will also include a host of entertainment for all the family.

Michelle has brought together a host of local talent and businesses to make the day a success, including singer Chloe Parkes and a raffle will take place offering prizes such as spa days, meals out and food and drink hampers.

Black Country children's entertainers More Mascots will also bring characters to life, including Phoebe's favourite Minnie Mouse.

Appealing for people to drop by and get tested on Saturday, Emma said: "It takes five minutes of your time to sign up and give your details. It’s as simple as that.

"Five minutes of your life can save a child’s whole life."