FIREFIGHTERS joined forces to raise awareness of a woman’s fight against leukaemia and to encourage potential bone marrow donors to come forward.

Julie Patefield, of Colne, is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant as she battles the disease, and firemen from stations in Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington and Rawtenstall came together on Saturday ahead of upcoming screening sessions.

The men dragged a fire engine through Blackburn town centre as the search goes on for a donor for the mother of two.

Her husband, Andy, is a fireman in Burnley.

A screening session for donors takes place at Marl Pitts, Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall, today from 4 to 8pm.

A further screening takes place at Blackburn fire station, Byrom Street, from 4-8pm tomorrow.

There will be free parking in the Byrom Street car park after 3pm.

Donors must be 18 to 40-years-old.