Air lift: Volunteers joined the Mayor and Mayoress in Victoria Square to promote the Gift of Life campaign

THE Mayor of Bolton's Gift of Life appeal is already almost halfway to its goal -- in just eight weeks!

Cllr Alan Wilkinson launched the campaign to boost kidney donation as part of his year as the town's Mayor.

He wanted to sign up 2001 new donors by next May and recruited local businessmen, entertainers and sports stars to help launch the campaign.

But the scheme has been so successful that already 800 people have signed up as organ donors.

"I'm thrilled with the response," said a delighted Cllr Wilkinson. "We're well on the way to reaching our target. I can't thank enough all the peole who are helping to make the campaign such a success.

"And, of course, a special 'thank you' must go to the 800 new donors for their thoughtfulness."

The Mayor and the Mayoress, Mrs Denise Wilkinson, have been high-profile around the town in their "recruitment drive".

They collected 155 new donors by joining volunteers in manning the information barrow in The Market Place in Bolton town centre. Then another very successful day in Victoria Square signed up 156 more people and raised more than £300 for kidney research.

Now further events, including a sponsored swim at the Esporta health and fitness centre at The Valley on August 20, are expected to recruit even more potential donors.

And ensure that far more than 2001 people back the life-saving appeal by 2001.