Eastbourne girl, 13, searching for lifesaving stem cell donor
An Eastbourne teenager is searching for a lifesaving stem cell donor amid a battle with a rare blood disorder.
13-year-old Millie Fairley was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia after suffering from headaches, increased bruising and fainting.
Her mum Hayley said the diagnosis was ‘a horrible shock’.
"It’s such a rare diagnosis, we’re completely devastated,” Hayley said.
“To be told that your child has a life-threatening condition is the worst possible news, it’s entirely changed our lives overnight.
"My little girl should be starting teenage life, but she’s so vulnerable that she has to isolate at home or in hospital."
Millie needs a stem cell transplant, but none of her family are a match, according to blood cancer charity DKMS.
Millie’s family is working with the charity to search for a stem cell donor who could give her – or others like her – a second chance at life.
A DKMS spokesperson said: "For patients with blood disorders or blood cancer, a stem cell transplant from a matching donor could be their only opportunity for recovery.
“Only one in three patients will find a match in their family, and unfortunately for Millie, none of her family is a match.
"This means that she is relying on finding a match from a complete stranger who has signed up the stem cell donor register, but just 7 per cent of the eligible population in the UK are signed up.”
Millie is currently receiving regular treatment at Brighton Royal Children’s Hospital.
Hayley added: "She can’t see her friends, and it’s been a really lonely time for her.
"We just want her to get better, so that she can have her life back.
“If we can't find a donor, I don’t know what we’ll do. I’m trying to be positive through it all but it was so upsetting when none of the family were a match.
"I’m on edge waiting to see if we can find a matching donor.
"It's a huge amount of stress for all our family”.
DKMS said registering to become a stem cell donor is ‘a simple process’ involving a few health questions and some cheek swabs.
The DKMS spokesperson added: “Once you are on the register, your swabs will be tested to find out if you are a match for a patient.
"At any one time, there are around 2,000 people in the UK waiting for their match, including Millie.
“Most people who join the stem cell donor register will never be called to donate, but if you are matched to a patient, nine out of ten times the donation can be completed through a simple outpatient procedure, similar to donating blood platelets, and DKMS supports donors every step of the way.”
For more information, visit: dkms.org.uk.