Big Yin shows big heart in plea for woman

Comedian Billy Connolly made a heartfelt plea today to help a young woman suffering from leukaemia find a bone marrow donor.

The Big Yin made the appeal after he was touched by the plight of 20-year-old Millie Forbes, who has been battling against the condition for the last year.

The Scottish comedian urged anyone aged between 18 and 40 to join the Anthony Nolan Trust’s bone marrow register in Britain in the hope that someone might be a match for Millie.

He said: “I am delighted to lend my support to this worthy cause. Millie has a bright future ahead of her.

“Please come forward and do what you can to help Millie and the thousands like her who are desperately seeking a match.”

Millie, from Donside, Aberdeenshire, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in August 2002.

After extensive chemotherapy the disease went into remission but routine blood tests a few weeks ago found it had returned.

Doctors now believe her best chance of survival is a bone marrow transplant but initial searches of the register have not found a match.