A FINTONA mum-of-two is hoping that a local stem-cell donor drive will help her find a match to beat blood cancer. 

The special event will be held this weekend at Denamona Primary School, where 35-year-old Tracy McKenna, who is battling acute myeloid leukaemia, teaches. 

The upcoming event follows a donor drive which took place over three days in Belfast. 

Saturday's drive is being held in association with DKMS, a nonprofit bone marrow donor center, and will take place between 8am to 4pm. 

Mrs. McKenna, and what was first thought to be anaemia was later revealed to be leukaemia.

The diagnosis at only 34-years-old came as a massive shock to Tracy, her husband Mark, and her two kids, Darragh (4) and Katie (2).

Janet Burke, principal of Denamona Primary School, said she is hoping the event will be a show of "love and support" for Mrs. McKenna.

"Tracy is a valued member of staff, but she is so much more than just a colleague," Mrs. Burke said. "She is our friend and is so loved by us all.

"Anyone who knows Tracy will know what a kind, caring and selfless person she is.

"Tracy’s desire is that this Donor Registration Event will raise awareness of blood cancer and stem cell donation. 

"We aim to highlight how people can so easily sign up to donate their stem cells, which could potentially save someone’s life."

According to Mrs. Burke, the process of becoming a stem cell donor is simple - three cheek swabs are required, and if a person is a match,  donation is very similar to giving blood. 

"It is not invasive and will not have any impact on your own personal health," the local principal said. 

"I would like to impress on people – we all have a Tracy; everyone has someone they love and care for," Mrs. Burke continued. "We can try to help someone else’s Tracy in the same way we are asking for a friend, or more likely a stranger to help our Tracy.

"We would love to see as many as possible from our community come to Denamona PS on Saturday and show their love and support for Tracy and her family.

"If you are not eligible to sign up to the register, you will still be most welcome to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. As DKMS is a charity, there will also be donation buckets at the school and in the town."