IT IS a register that saved the life of their young son.

Now the family of a Hampshire 12- year-old is urging more residents to sign up to become bone marrow donors.

Alex Hannard’s family spoke out ahead of a bone marrow donor recruitment event at Fareham Leisure Centre on Wednesday, which is part of a series of sessions across the country.

The session allows visitors to become potential donors and help blood cancer sufferers by signing up to the Anthony Nolan register.

The Hannard family, from Stubbington, backed the move after son Alex underwent a bone marrow transplant in December 2011 when he developed a rare genetic condition called chronic granulomatous disorder.

He has made a really good recovery and the transplant has cured his condition.

Alex’s mother, Louise, said: “It is an amazing charity and we were delighted to hear that our local Everyone Active is supporting it.

“People who sign up at this event will go on to save the lives of people like Alex.”

Blood cancer charity the Anthony Nolan Trust has teamed up with the leisure centre management Everyone Active to put on recruitment sessions at its venues across the country.

It is hoped that at least 500 new potential donors will join the Anthony Nolan register, which has more than 550,000 so far.

Everyone Active is also hoping to raise £100,000 for the charity at the same time through team challenges, raffles, auctions, fancy dress fitness classes and other events.

To find out more visit anthonynolan.org