A man whose cancer-stricken wife has been given blood transfusions has organised special blood donor sessions at his workplace, as a way of saying thank-you to the blood service.

Robert Dennison, pictured, a systems manager for the Bradford & Bingley, persuaded at least 130 employees to give vital supplies during the session yesterday at the company's Crossflatts headquarters.

It was staged by the National Blood Service.

Father-of-two Mr Dennison, 35, hopes donor sessions will now be held regularly at the offices.

His wife Diane, 34, has been receiving treatment at Leeds General Infirmary since being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphona a fortnight after the birth of their youngest son Jacob two years ago.

Mr Dennison, who lives in Tingley, said: "She's had fantastic treatment and must have received 20 or 30 units of blood in transfu-sions to build her back up after the chemotherapy. Now we're keeping our fingers crossed.

"Seeing the amount of blood they get through just brings it home to you how important donors are and I just wanted to do something to try and help make a difference."

l Anyone wanting to organise similar events or find out more about giving blood should call the national helpline on 0845 7711 711 or regional office on (0113) 214 8608.