A MAN whose charity brainchild has already attracted celebrity backing is appealing for local people to lend their support.

Arnside's Mike Waters aims to raise £1 million by 2003 to enable a boat crewed by people who have had an organ or tissue transplant to take part in the round-the-world yacht race.

Since embarking on his mission last year, Mr Waters's vision of The Gift of Life has become a registered trust and he is in the process of applying for charitable status.

Liver recipient Simon Needs has signed up to act as skipper of the yacht, which will set off on its 11-month voyage in October 2003, and more than 40 transplant recipients have volunteered to sail in the boat.

Olympic silver medallist and BBC sports presenter Roger Black has pledged his support by agreeing to act as godfather to the boat, and has promised to organise a celebrity sporting event to raise money for the cause.

EastEnders soap star Wendy Richards is to be the boat's godmother and has agreed to preside at the launch of the vessel.

But Mr Waters, who is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, says he now needs more help with the day-to-day running of the Gift of Life Commemorative Trust.

"We're looking for people locally who might have a few hours spare to help design a newsletter or type letters - just generally help out," said Mr Waters.

"We're also still desperately looking for sponsorship and would love to hear from anyone who can help out on that score."

Mr Waters and the rest of the team behind the campaign hope that the 33,000 mile yacht race, which is organised by Millennium Yachting, will demonstrate that recipients are truly able bodied.

After the race, the yacht will be used to help promote organ and tissue donation.

Mr Waters started his fund-raising efforts by doling out cuddles for cash in Kendal's town centre last November.

Dressed up as a bear, he charged a pound per hug.

A 'Hug the World' campaign pack is now available, complete with bear costume, collecting boxes, posters and T-shirts, so that volunteers can continue Mr Water's work of promoting the message of organ donation and raising money for the trust.

Anyone who can help should call Mr Waters on 01524-761286 or e-mail: giftoflife@mswaters.globalnet.co.uk