Brave Emma Kaminski, who desperately tried to beat leukaemia knowing a million-to-one bone marrow match had been found, has lost her fight for life.

The 30-year-old died just two days after her eighth wedding anniversary as she desperately tried to get well enough to endure the bone marrow transplant.

Her husband John, of Wyke, today told of his pride at Emma's fighting spirit.

Heartbroken John said: "Although doctors told her there was nothing they could do, Emma refused to lay down and die.

"She would rather die fighting than give into it and persuaded doctors to give her one last course of chemotherapy.

"She knew it may be too much for her but a bone marrow donor had been found and if she could get into remission, she had a chance of survival.

"But her body gave up on the day she was to have her last dose of chemo."

And John told how, despite being desperately ill, Emma still wanted to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

"Emma was very ill but had sent people out to get me presents," said John. "One was a Coldplay CD and she listened to it and smiled a couple of hours before she passed away.

"She was happy and did not know what was coming, which is a great comfort.

"She has been so brave and fought to the end. She kept up the spirits of those around her with her amazing sense of humour and put their feelings ahead of her own."

Emma's courage in telling her story to the Telegraph & Argus earlier this year prompted 212 readers to join the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow register at two special clinics, organised by John's niece Zoe Waterworth. And today, John appealed to more selfless people to join the register.

"It was too late for Emma but it would give hope to others. Emma sends her love," he said.

On behalf of her family, he thanked Emma's doctors and nurses at the Leeds General Infirmary who "showed her so much kindness".

Her friends and family - including John, her parents Dennis and Margaret, sisters Victoria, Karen and Linda and nieces Megan and Zoe - celebrate her life at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium at noon on Friday, and afterwards at the Masonic Lodge in Morley.

Emma was first diagnosed with cancer in May 2000 while manager of the Sock Shop in Morley.

She recovered and began campaigning for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Days later, she was devastated to discover that the acute lymphoblastic leukaemia had returned.

She patiently bore yet more treatment and fought off life-threatening infections. A virus paralysed the left side of her face and eventually she succumbed to the terrible illness.

Every year, more than 4,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK. For many, a transplant is their only hope.

And John said if Emma's story saves lives, it will be a wonderful legacy.

Megan Godden, of the Anthony Nolan Trust, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Emma, and to her family and friends - especially Zoe Waterworth - who have worked so hard to raise money and to recruit hundreds of new donors to the register, on Emma's behalf.

"Emma always hoped others would be saved, and many of those who recently joined the clinics held in Emma's name, will one day go on to become donors for other patients.

"People have already contacted us to join the register since hearing of Emma's death."

Zoe vowed to continue her work with the Trust in memory of Emma.

She said: "Emma was lovely, we will miss her very much."

Anyone interested in joining the donor register is urged to call (020) 7284 1234 or go to their website.

To help with fundraising locally, ring Zoe on (07904) 585663.