A brother and sister who helped save their mother’s life by launching a campaign for more bone marrow donors have been nominated for an award.

Jonni and Caroline Berger, who live in Finchley, organised the #Spit4Mum campaign in 2012 after Sharon Berger, 62, was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Mrs Berger, who is Jewish, has a rare tissue type and after five agonising months, a match was finally found and she underwent the crucial surgery.

The siblings have now been nominated for an award from the Anthony Nolan Trust in the black and ethnic minority category.

Mr Berger, 35, said: “It just goes to show how effective our campaign was – it pulled on the heart strings of so many people.

“It saved our mum’s life and the life of others who needed a life-saving transplant. We directed our energy into finding that person out there who would be a match.

“It was an anxious time. Today, mum is able to lead a fairly normal life and enjoy time with her family.”

The #Spit4Mum campaign via Twitter and Facebook proved so successful the brother and sister helped increase the number of Jewish people on the Anthony Nolan register by 1,191 - more than ten times the previous year's total of 107.

It also encouraged 800 people to join charity Delete Blood Cancer in just one week.

The awards ceremony will take place in the House of Commons on October 27, when the results will be announced.

Mr Berger, a reward consultant, added: “We’re going to be in fantastic company with some people who have done amazing things to increase the amount of ethnic minority donors on the register.

“Our mum is so proud of us and we’re really looking forward to the event.”