BUS DRIVERS are staging a sponsored walk next month to help the son of a workmate who is battling leukaemia.

Workers with Newport Transport are organising the event from the city to Cwmbran to raise funds for Thomas Steer, nine, from Alway, whose father Jeff is a bus driver.

Mr Steer and his fellow workers have organised a committee to help raise funds to send Thomas on a holiday to Disneyland.

Employees have held a number of events recently, and the latest saw a 46-year-old PD2 bus take to the city's streets for the first time in more than a quarter of a century.

The sponsored walk is due to take place on October 3. Tim Morgan, secretary of the appeal and organiser said: "Any members of the public or businesses are welcome to join in the walk, watch or sponsor the appeal to help give Thomas a holiday to Disneyland.

"The more support we get the better, and it will help you get fit."

The walk starts at 10am at Newport Bus Station and finishes in Stagecoach Depot in Cwmbran.

Anyone interested can call Mr Morgan on 07792 899 370.

Thomas is currently in Llandough Hospital, near Penarth, where he is responding well to his treatment.

Mr Steer said: "Thomas is doing well and will start the second phase of his chemotherapy next week. A teacher is helping him keep up with his school work and he is doing well."

The youngster has been treated for leukaemia since he was first diagnosed with the disease in 2001. It was thought he had overcome it, but it has returned and his best hope of recovery now lies with a bone marrow transplant.

Potential donors and blood donors are being sought.

Mr Steer said people who wanted to give blood should contact the Welsh Blood Service, Ely Valley Road, Talbot Green, Pontyclun, C572 9WB or call 01443 622000.