A FORMER security guard is set to receive a transatlantic gift of life -- after a one in a million chance linked him with a bone marrow donor in America.

Michael Baines was told the news -- which gave him hope of beating leukaemia -- just days after taking part in a sponsored glider flight to raise awareness of the need for new donors.

After two years trying to find a match in Britain, staff from the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust searched databases of millions of donors abroad.

A woman who recently joined the register in America was found to be a possible match and after further tests the good news was confirmed.

Now Michael, who used to work as a security guard at Studio Cards, Clayton-le-Moors, before the leukaemia was diagnosed three years ago, is waiting for a date for the operation.

Bone marrow will be taken from the American donor and then flown to the UK for Michael to have surgery at the Christie Hospital, Manchester.

It will be some time before it is known if the operation, which Michael has been told has a 70 per cent success rate, has worked.

Michael, who yesterday celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife Julia , said his story should give hope to the thousands of others who need a transplant. "When I was told a match had been found I felt a mixture of elation and disbelief," said Michael, of Bolton Road, Abbey Village.

And referring to the sponsored glider flight Michael joked: "My head has been in the clouds twice this last few weeks!"

Michael was diagnosed in 1997 after he went to the doctor with a swelling in his stomach.

Michael, his son Andrew, of Bolton Road, Abbey Village, and nephew Anthony Forsyth, of Hargreaves Road, Oswaldtwistle, recently took part in the sponsored flight in a glider from BAE Systems airfield at Samlesbury.

The three raised £300 from the sponsored flight and the money will be handed over to the Chorley branch of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.

"What has happened to me shows how important it is people register as donors," said Michael.

Linda Crawford, Lancashire area organiser for the trust, said she was delighted at Michael's news

"He is an unusual tissue type so finding a match for him is fantastic. He has been great through all this and is proof that there is hope for people who need a transplant."

Details on being registered are available from the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust on 0901 8822234. Potential donors must be aged between 18-40 and be in good health.

Picture: Mr Baines is pictured at his sponsored glider flight.