ENTERTAINER Joe Longthorne has battled back from the brink of death to beat leukaemia - and a Huddersfield man has supported him all the way.

The star has had a well-publicised fight against cancer for 16 years.

And his Huddersfield-based business partner, 50-year-old Terry Lodge, has today revealed that Joe has finally received the news he's longed for over many years.

He underwent a bone marrow transplant in the summer - complications almost cost him his life - but doctors have just told him the treatment has worked and he is clear of leukaemia.

Joe had registered with the Anthony Nolan Trust to try to find a bone marrow match.

His links with the charity raised its profile and hundreds of people came forward to register - but no match was found for Joe for ages.

Finally he was matched with a 28-year-old woman from South Wales.

The donor has so far remained anonymous, but Joe is desperate to meet and thank her personally.

Terry said: "Joe went into Manchester Royal Infirmary on June 6 for six weeks for the bone marrow transplant.

"But complications set in and he developed pneumonia. He ended up in hospital for 14 weeks and he was on a ventilator for a month.

"His weight had plummeted to 7st 6lb and at one point doctors said he only had a one in 10 chance of survival."

Once his condition improved he was transferred to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital and allowed home two months ago.

Joe is now recovering in Blackpool and plans to be back on tour next Easter.

The doctor who gave him the good news said he could go back to work even earlier if he wanted.

His weight is now back up to over 10st.

"It's all such a relief," said Terry. "Over the last two years it is no exaggeration to say Joe has lived in the shadow of death.

"If the bone marrow treatment had not worked he would have died. If anyone deserves to live, Joe does.

"Yet he is an emotional and powerful singer and has given some of his best performances over the last two years."

Joe is well-known for his charity work, but over the last 15 months alone charity concerts and fundraising events and donations from fans have raised about £100,000 for cancer charities in Leeds, Sheffield and Blackpool.

His next concert in Yorkshire is scheduled to take place at Sheffield City Hall on May 5 next year.

Now Joe is offering his fans in Huddersfield a free two and a half hour DVD showcasing his life story along with concert footage. To get a copy simply fill in the coupon.

Terry said: "The medical news is fantastic and Joe now wants to offer the DVD to thank all his fans who have stood by him and also helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity over the last 16 years."

* To find out how to become a bone marrow donor contact the Anthony Nolan Trust at www.anthonynolan.org.uk or phone 0207 284 1234.