Boy, 10, Needs Donor for Second Chance at Life

A 10-year-old boy named Henry Teare is urgently seeking a stem cell donor after being diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. Henry was actively training for his school triathlon when he began experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness and lightheadedness, initially attributed to fitness. His condition worsened at school, prompting his parents to seek medical attention, which led to a diagnosis of severe aplastic anaemia.

This critical blood disorder means Henry's bone marrow cannot produce sufficient new blood cells, making him dependent on frequent transfusions. His parents describe an overwhelming sense of shock but commend Henry's resilience and positive attitude throughout his treatment. The Mirror has partnered with the charity DKMS to amplify the search for a compatible donor, a cause previously supported for other children like Leo Sproson and Jasper Makungu.

DKMS emphasizes that joining the stem cell donor register is a simple, ten-minute process involving painless mouth swabs. While most registered donors are not called upon, a match can be life-saving. The procedure for donation, if required, is typically non-surgical and similar to donating platelets, with full support provided by DKMS.