Tony Blair's former righthand man is backing a charity appeal for a 21-year-old cancer sufferer.

Friends of Michael Wise, of Hurstpierpoint, are planning a 24-hour row to raise money for Leukaemia Research UK.

Alastair Campbell passed on fund-raising tips as part of the work he does for the charity.

The six rowers have already raised £2,000 and are now seeking further donations.

Mr Wise was diagnosed with leukaemia last month. He is undergoing chemotherapy at King's College Hospital in London and is being tested for suitability for a bone marrow transplant.

Mr Campbell, chairman of Leukaemia Research UK's fund-raising team, said: "Because of research, survival rates are rising."

To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/ rowforleukaemia