A teenager whose sister underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat cancer is fighting to find more donors.

Charlotte Soffe, 16, is now kickstarting a drive to raise awareness of the need for people to sign up to the bone marrow donor register.

The youngster will launch her campaign with a fundraising variety show at Blatchington Mill School, Hove, on Tuesday evening. (mar 24) This will be followed by a signing up session for the Anthony Nolan Trust at the school early net month.

Charlotte, of Orchard Avenue, Hove, decided to organise the event following her sister Nathalie's (crct) illness and treatment.

Nathalie, 13, first fell ill with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2004 and went on to have 17 months of chemotherapy.

The treatment appeared to work but Nathalie had a relapse last year and had to go on to the bone marrow donor register.

Despite an extensive hunt, no donor could be found in the UK so the search had to be widened abroad.

A 19-year-old American man, who was a close match, was eventually found and Nathalie's transplant went ahead in January.

Charlotte was tested herself but was not a suitable match and was shocked when nobody could be traced in this country.

She said: “There are so many people out there who could potentially save someone's life.

“All they need to do is sign up and who knows who they might help.

“I was so surprised when Nat could not find a donor and it is really important that people realise just what they could do by going on to the register.”

Charlotte and Nathalie's mother Karen, 44, said: “It is so difficult sitting around waiting for that call telling you that a match has been found.

“A donor was eventually found for Nathalie but it is so important we raise as much awareness of the need for donors as possible.”

Charlotte and Nathalie are both keen dancers and are members of the Adele Academy of Dance and Drama.

Tuesday's show at Blatchington, which starts at 7.30pm, will feature performers from the Adele Academy and the school's Big Band, the Millstones , as well as a range of other singing and musical performances.

There are also plans to hold a raffle and Charlotte is calling on local businesses to help by donating prizes.

Tickets cost £4 for adults and £3 concessions and are available by calling 01273 773896.

For more details about bone marrow donation, go to www.athonynolan.org.uk.