FOR Paula Witchard, it was a bitter-sweet reunion with friends yesterday as she took her seven-month-old son Jack to meet potential bone marrow donors in Newport.

Little Jack was highlighted in the Argus last month, when we revealed his rare immune deficiency means he needs a bone marrow transplant to increase his chance of survival. Since then the tot has featured in several national newspapers - and he was the focus of yet more media attention yesterday at Asda in Duffryn.

Jack has Langerhans Cell Hitiocytosis (LCH) which has spread to his bone marrow. The Welsh Blood Service was at Asda, where Jack's grandmother Jenny Powell works, taking blood samples from more than 40 employees, friends and family to try to find a match.

And Mrs Witchard, of Rogerstone, was reunited with some friends she hasn't seen since before Jack's birth.

She said: "It is hard facing friends that I have not seen for a very long time." She added the publicity had helped highlight Jack's situation to more people.

"Sometimes it is difficult to cope with it all but I am getting more anxious as time is going on, I worry that maybe time is going to run out for my son.

"I cannot plan tomorrow - every day Jack is well is a bonus. I don't even think about Christmas, it should be the best Christmas ever because it is Jack's first."

Mrs Powell, customer service manager at Asda, said: "Jack is my grandson and I would do anything to help him, the store have been very supportive to me." She added: "I have good and bad days but my saviour is being able to come to work and try to take my mind off things."

Elaine Smith, 38, an Asda kiosk worker, was among those giving a blood sample. Mrs Smith, from Risca, who donated a kidney to her brother 14 years ago, said she knew the family and wanted to help. She also urged anyone who could to give blood.

Mrs Witchard said: "The Welsh Blood Service have been so good to us and now the Anthony Nolan Trust have got involved to help out. I just urge people to respond and come forward."

To contact the Welsh Blood Service call 0800 252266. For information on the Anthony Nolan Trust call 0901 8822234.

PICTURED: Asda checkout operator Elaine Smith gives blood with the aid of nurse Sian Gorst, left, and collection assistant Kathryn Clark.