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Joint stem cell donor campaign receives award

A campaign which aims to recruit stem cell donors has received an award for outstanding positive contribution to the local community.

De Montfort University's Square Mile project, working with the Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign, has won a Guardian University Award.

Inspector Rik Basra (centre) with DMU Square Mile team and student volunteers Credit: De Montfort University

Inspector Rik Basra, of Leicestershire Police, had a life-saving bone marrow transplant in 2011 after being diagnosed with leukaemia. He approached De Montfort University's Square Mile project during his campaign to find suitable donors to see if the university could run a recruitment drive.

More than 100 students volunteered to help run the event.

Inspector Rik Basra Credit: ITV News Central

The award they have received recognises university projects that have the potential to inspire others.

The stem cell project has brought in more than 1,745 potential donors.