A coach driver saved the life of a baby boy after volunteering to be on a donor register in order to get two hours off work.

Shortly afterwards Paul Edwards, 48, of Pollards, Broadfield, Crawley, was called to donate bone marrow for a baby suffering from leukaemia.

His donation saved the baby's life and, although the charity does not reveal the names of recipients, he received a thank you letter from the grateful parents.

He said: "I was working in a post office sorting office when we were told we could have two hours off work paid if we went to be interviewed for the register.

"I originally only did it to get off work but now I would happily be a donor again."

Paul is now preparing to help the charity once more by taking part in a 100ft abseil headfirst from a hotel roof at Gatwick.

He will be joined by his 14-year-old son Richard for the leap from the Ramada Plaza Hotel on April 13 to raise cash for The Anthony Nolan Trust, which runs the bone marrow register.

Paul, a driver with Airlinks at Gatwick, said: "Giving marrow was a bit uncomfortable but well worth it. This is such a good cause, I would gladly do it again. We are hoping to raise lots of money for the charity."

The trust is appealing for more abseilers. For those who are not keen on making the leap upside down, there will be a second rope which allows people to make a normal descent.

Sussex and Kent fund-raiser Jean Rolfe said: "Without people taking part in an event like this it would be impossible for us to be so successful.

"During the last 27 years volunteers from the trust's register of bone marrow donors have saved more than 3,200 lives."

Anyone wanting to take part should call Jean on 01403 713595.