Damary Dawkins is just 12-years-old, but is already fighting for his life.

The "promising young footballer" has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and urgently needs a blood stem cell transplant that could potentially save his life.

Damary had the opportunity to visit Crystal Palace FC's training ground last week and now the club have called on people to lend their help.

“It was a pleasure to meet Damary and his family and welcome them to the training ground," Eagles manager Roy Hodgson.

"Damary is a big football fan and a promising young player and we were all impressed by his bravery and composure at what must be a very difficult time.

"It would be fantastic if we could help to find a match for him that could save his life and I would urge Palace fans to register with DKMS,” said Hodgson.

Diagnosed at age 9, his treatment was set to last three years.

The family were told his treatment would end last month with Damary then being free from cancer, but instead received the news that he had relapsed.

Doctors have said Damary’s best chance of survival is a blood stem cell transplant because the cancer is more aggressive than before and chemotherapy alone will not work.

A search of Damary’s family has not found a match so he is now relying on a complete stranger to be his potential lifesaver.

Damary’s African-Caribbean heritage means the search is even harder because there is a lack of black, Asian and mixed-race donors on the stem cell registry.

Porsha Nunes-Brown, donor recruitment manager at DKMS UK is hoping someone will come forward and provide the life-saving care that is needed.

“Damary is often in and out of the hospital and desperately needs a blood stem cell transplan," she said.

"Please register online at dkms.org.uk/Damary and help find a matching donor for Damary or someone else in need of a blood stem cell transplant.

"Registering as a potential blood stem cell donor is so easy to do, but I can’t emphasise enough how important it is. It could lead to you saving a life."